27 May is the anniversary of the 1967 referendum where Australians voted to remove clauses from the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and 3 June is the anniversary of the 1992 High Court Mabo decision – the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights over their lands did survive British colonisation.
These two dates embrace National Reconciliation Week, marking its start and close. It’s a time for Australians to pause, think and learn about how all of us can contribute towards a just, equitable and reconciled Australia. The day before, 26 May, is National Sorry Day – a day to commemorate and honour the Stolen Generations.
For community health organisations like Hepatitis SA, the journey towards reconciliation is part and parcel of the journey towards health equity and better health outcomes for all, given the indisputable link between health and socio-economic factors.
