During Reconciliation Week 2025, we acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live, work and provide services.
The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
As an expression of the Uniting Church at work, this week presents an opportunity for Uniting AgeWell to reflect on our journey to reconciliation.
A big part of this journey is the growing partnership with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), Lutruwita (Tasmania) and in particular, Alison Overeem and Ayla Williams.
Establishment of Uniting AgeWell’s Walking Together Working Group opened the door to meeting Alison and Ayla. The group was honoured to attend a workshop facilitated by Alison and Ayla, with members encouraged to consider the meaning of reconciliation and what we want it to mean for Uniting AgeWell and our partners.
It also represented an invitation to explore how we can play a part in reconciliation between First and Second Peoples.
Director of Mission Reverend Clare Brockett says the coming together of members of Uniting AgeWell and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress is profound and a turning point in our journey of reconciliation.
“This has been a genuine and mutual invitation to walk together to enhance the lives of First Nations people as First and Second Peoples working together. We're in this relationship for the long haul - taking time to get to know each other and how we can support each other for the benefit of First Nations People. Engaging in deep listening and continuing to dialogue together, strengthens our ability to advocate for healing and justice for First Nations communities,” says Clare.
Early this year, Uniting AgeWell officially opened a new wing at its Uniting AgeWell Rosetta Community, Strathaven site.
CEO Andrew Kinnersly, Clare, the Board and Senior Executive were honoured to have Alison and Ayla attend the opening and conduct a Welcome to Country. Those in attendance were humbled by the generosity of Alison and Ayla who presented a deep telling of the story of the land on which the Strathaven site is located and the cultural connections to the Derwent River and Frying Pan Island.
At that visit, Andrew and Clare were invited to meet members of the Elders Council of Tasmania Aboriginal Corporation with Alison and Ayla. This meeting had a profound impact on those who attended, opening deep conversations and a mutual understanding to create a long lasting relationship between the organisations.
Ahead of Reconciliation Week Alison reflected on the growing relationship, “As we walk together as UAICC and UA we walk in respect rrala mapali ( lots of ). This relationship weaves within it respect, trust, truth telling, truth knowing, and culturally inclusive plans and outcomes... it weaves hope and solidarity. It sets a precedent in the “all of who we are”. Many voices, one campfire. This relationship gives us hope as UAICC , in all of who we are, in all of who we are as Palawa people.”
Find out more about how Uniting AgeWell is Walking Together