The 2023 Catholic Education Sandhurst staff retreat focused on Catholic Social Teachings and the impact of the 'Uluru Statement from the Heart’. The presence of Vicki Clark, an OAM recipient, added depth and wisdom to the forum, providing an opportunity for Catholic Education Sandhurst staff to learn about the Yes Campaign and the proposed referendum, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the issue from an Aboriginal perspective.

The Aboriginal Education Team, with guidance from Kylie Smith, Education Officer: Spirituality, Faith Formation, created a supportive platform that allowed everyone to engage in dialogue and develop a greater understanding of why voting 'yes' is crucial. This retreat not only educated the staff about the importance of the 'Uluru Statement from the Heart', but it also empowered them to discuss the matter with others.

It is essential to acknowledge that the last referendum held in Australia was in 1967. This historical milestone marked a significant turning point in recognising the rights and citizenship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. However, there is still work to be done to ensure full equality and recognition for Indigenous Australians.

Vicki spoke about the time that her mother was refused service at a hotel following the 1967 referendum. The memory of her mum’s hand shaking as she was told that they ‘didn’t serve her kind here’ etched on her mind. She went on to tell us that her mother was a proud and dignified woman, who worked for more than seventeen years for the same company. She liked nice things and Vicki recalls that she never left the house without matching handbag and shoes. The refusal of service happened while they were on transit to a holiday destination and the family decided to have a counter meal instead of the usual fish and chips in the park. Vicki remembers the embarrassment and the overwhelming sadness as her mother turned around and quietly walked from the hotel, her hand still shaking.

Flash forward more than fifty years and it is the responsibility of all Australians to educate ourselves about the 'Yes' campaign. By learning about the issues, engaging in dialogue, and understanding the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we can actively contribute to building a more inclusive and just society. But educating ourselves goes beyond mere awareness; it involves deepening our understanding of the historical and ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities.

“We’re not going to see intergenerational trauma disappear if we’re in the constitution; it’s the next layer of that foundation to build a stronger race of people in this country, the First Nations People. You either help us build that foundation or you don’t. But that’s your choice,” said Vicki.

It was fitting that the retreat took place at the commencement of Naidoc Week, a time when the spotlight is firmly on the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for Naidoc Week 2023 was 'For Our Elders: Keeping the Fire Burning.' This theme emphasises the importance of recognising and respecting the wisdom, knowledge, and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders.

The Aboriginal culture is an oral one, stories are passed own from generation to generation and rituals, ceremonies, men’s and women’s business are learned by taking part in rituals on the land where ancestors have walked and practised age-old customs for thousands of years.

Education Officer: Student Pastoral Wellbeing, Jye Warren addressed the fact that some Aboriginal people are divided on the ‘Yes’ campaign.

“A lot of Aboriginal People are afraid of change and the unknown. It’s like anyone in the world, and because of this, they’re afraid to vote yes. I think the Elders from up there have gotten together to make it clear that it is about spirituality. We don’t want treaty to take someone’s farm. It’s about being able to utilise that land for songs, for dance and to have men’s business and woman’s business, to connect and to rightfully be able to practise our culture and our laws,” he said.

“I was told a long time ago about how our language is dying and an Elder spoke to me and he said, ‘our language and culture isn’t dying, it’s just asleep and needs to be woken up.’ For me it’s just all about spirituality and being able to get back to waking that culture up again, rather than tuck it in and sing it some lullabies and let it sleep forever.”

By embracing this responsibility collectively, we can foster a society that acknowledges and respects the diverse cultures, histories, and rights of all Australians. The education and awareness gained during the staff retreat can serve as a catalyst for continued learning, advocacy, and action, to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are empowered, their voices are heard, and their rights are fully recognised.