01 June 2016

Ms TRISH DOYLE (Blue Mountains) (13:32): I wish to acknowledge Reconciliation Week. In the Blue Mountains we have a very active and passionate reconciliation movement led by community groups including the Mountains Outreach Community Service and Blue Mountains Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation. A feature of Blue Mountains Reconciliation Week is the Schools' Reconciliation Challenge, this year involving Katoomba, Springwood and Winmalee high schools; Katoomba, Leura, and Wentworth Falls public schools; St Canice's Primary School; and Kindlehill School. Students were encouraged to explore the meaning of reconciliation through the creation of artworks. These were featured last weekend at the cultural sharing gathering at the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre. I congratulate all schools involved. I pay my particular respect and give thanks to Aunty Carol Cooper, Uncle Ed Walker, Aunty Leanne Tobin, Aunty Jacinta Tobin, Judith Hawkes, Lyn Bevington, Jo Clancy, Becky Chatfield and all the Wagana dancers.