Make More Good for May 2020 – Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR)

Edge Environment’s monthly ‘Make More Good’ donation sends $300 to a worthy cause nominated by a staff member.  In May 2020, Edge’s Sustainability Consultant, Lloyd Parker, chose Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation to be the recipient.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land in which I live and work, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and recognise their ongoing connection to the land, water, and community. I pay my respects to the Elders, past, present, and emerging.

The 27th of May to the 3rd of June marked National Reconciliation Week in Australia, which is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation with the Traditional Owners in Australia. National Reconciliation Week has stirred awareness for the need to focus on ‘closing the gap’ in Australia and do what we can to ensure Indigenous Australians are afforded equal rights and opportunities.

With this considered, I’ve chosen to direct my “Make More Good” donation to Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR). ANTaR is a national organisation dedicated specifically to the rights, and overcoming the disadvantages, of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, through lobbying, public campaigns, and advocacy.

Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations, and most importantly, as a nation. At the heart of this journey are the relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and it is clear as Australians, we are all “In This Together” – which was the theme for this year’s National Reconciliation Week. Every one of us has a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we can collectively rebuild relationships, communities and a justice system that equally values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, and cultures.

At Edge, I am proud to say that we are supportive of Australia striving towards a more just and equitable nation. By supporting grassroots movements like ANTaR we can help ensure that the rights and cultures of Indigenous people are respected and affirmed across all sections of society.