Media Release

Friday 26 May 2023

This 2023 National Reconciliation Week (27 June to 3 June), Positive Life NSW honours the voices of generations over time who have struggled for First Nations justice in Australia.

“The business of reconciliation is unfinished in this country,” said Yorta Yorta woman and Positive Life NSW’s Aboriginal Health Program Officer, Michelle Tobin.

“Be a Voice for Generations encourages all of us to consider how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in our lives as we oppose racism, inequity and injustice in our communities, society and country,” said Ms Tobin.

“We owe it to our future generations to create a more equitable Australia and continue to say no to systemic racism, no to discrimination, and no to the stigma that impacts our everyday lives and those of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters living with HIV,” said Ms Tobin. “To forge meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities living with or affected by HIV, we will continue to work together to address systemic issues and drive positive change,” said Jane Costello, CEO of Positive Life NSW.

“It’s time for us to support the younger generations as they are our future leaders. Acknowledging the strength and resilience of our First Nations peoples through listening and yarning with community, and nurturing the voices of tomorrow will depend on the meaningful action we take today, and how we create respectful relationships for all, through the power of reconciliation,” said Michelle Tobin.

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National Reconciliation Week starts with National Sorry Day, or the National Day of Healing, on Thursday 26 May which marks the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in the Australian Parliament in 1997. For the first time, the report gave voice and recognised the experiences of the Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities.

This National Reconciliation Week commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey beginning with the successful 1967 referendum (27 May 1967) and the High Court Mabo decision (3 June 1992).

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MEDIA CONTACT: 
Jane Costello, CEO – 1800 245 677 or email communications@positivelife.org.au

Positive Life NSW is the largest peer-led and run representative body of all people living with HIV in Australia based in NSW. We make a significant contribution to, and positive impact across the spectrum of health and social issues on behalf of all people living with HIV in collaboration with HIV specialist and mainstream services to improve the health and quality of life of all people living with HIV in NSW. We do this through evidence-based health promotion, research, policy advice and peer support.