An Acknowledgement of Country can be a respectful and honouring practice to show awareness, recognition and respect to the place of the Traditional Custodians and the caretakers of the land we live on. It is one of many actions, and it is my hope that through meaningful acts of awareness (as little as they may be) that we can continue to move closer towards a world that celebrates cultural heritages and embraces everyone, including Indigenous Peoples as equal.
This land is rich with stories, songlines, languages, dreaming and cultural significance. Let us continue to act with respect and love, and listen deeply to nature.
Last but not least, I acknowledge the Arrernte people as the Traditional Custodians and caretakers of Mparntwe, the land on which I am allowed to live. I expand this respect to all Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and the world. They were indeed the first creators and designers. I acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters, sky, community and culture; and the opportunities to learn from their wisdom.
I pay my respects to the people, their Ancestors and descendants, their strength and resilience, their living cultures, spirituality and teachings, their Elders past, present and emerging. I also acknowledge this Country and its living spirit, and all it gives us every day. Indigenous sovereignty never ceded: always was, always will be Indigenous land.