Speeches
Friday, 15 November 2024
Telling the Whole Story Project Launch
I am honored to be here in the South East community to launch the Telling the Whole Story Project, after first hearing of it during my visit in February.
It is heartening to now see it come to fruition in this prominent setting next to Maria Creek.
History is told through many lenses.
Lenses that are focused by different attitudes, social mores, and memories.
They capture differing interpretations and perspectives but over time one lens can become more sharply focussed than others.
For a long time, the colonial lens has dominated.
Now, alongside that perspective, in this place, another story too can be told by the First Nations people who remain connected to this country, enabling us all to see a bigger picture.
As Governor I have been privileged to learn new ways of seeing our landscape through engagement with First Nations people.
I have learned of their stories though their diverse lenses and have gained a better understanding of “country” and of our shared history.
I am encouraged to see that, when developing projects, some communities are seizing opportunities to include First Nations people right from the outset.
I have seen this recently in Murray Bridge where the local council has worked collaboratively with Ngarrindjeri people on plans to re-develop the Sturt Reserve on the banks of the River Murray.
This is a welcome change from what has so often happened in the past - seeking comments on something that has already been proposed and largely developed, or not seeking input at all.
In the model you have adopted here, Aboriginal voices can be heard.
In this way, we can develop respect for each other’s perspectives.
In this way, we build on-going relationships and are able to tell the whole story.
In this way we can achieve outcomes to the benefit of all.
I thank everyone who has contributed to this project. It has taken two and a half years to reach this point, through the vision, collaboration, and goodwill of all parties.
The setting, with native plants along the creek, reminds us that thousands of years before colonial settlement, Aboriginal people walked on, and cared for, this land.
This will be an enduring place for contemplation.
This project has brought together many groups: the local Elders, the National Trust, the Kingston District Council, funding partners and others.
I encourage you all to be proud of what has been achieved here.
Not only have you created a place to tell a wider story, but you have also established a respectful, reciprocal, and collaborative relationship on which to build further.
Thank you.