You would have seen from our Facebook page that we recently celebrated National Reconciliation week.  It is very important that, as a nation, we continue to work towards reconciliation with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters. It is a sad reality that, historically, the treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has, in some cases, had devastating effects, that continue to impact negatively on some today. As a nation and as individuals, we need to keep reconciliation in our hearts and minds. First Nations people have much to teach us, including spirituality, respect for the land and the importance of community. Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann has written movingly on the concept of dadirri. Here are some of her words:

I believe it is the most important (quality of my people). It is our most unique gift. It is perhaps the greatest gift we can give to our fellow Australians. In our language this quality is called dadirri. It is inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness. Dadirri recognises the deep spring that is inside us. We call on it and it calls to us. This is the gift that Australia is thirsting for. It is something like what you call "contemplation". When I experience dadirri, I am made whole again. I can sit on the riverbank or walk through the trees; even if someone close to me has passed away, I can find my peace in this silent awareness. There is no need of words.