Emotions flow in Townsville

Friday, 22 February 2008 10:29

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Scores of Torres Strait islanders turned out at two “Celebration to commemorate the Federal Government Official Apology to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Stolen Generation” Ceremonies in Townsville on February 13.

Townsville Aboriginal and Islanders Health Services Limited held a gathering to at their Garbutt Complex, while another was held in Townsville Mall at centre stage.

These coming-togethers marked the significance of this history making event and to show the support and willingness of the Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Communities to move forward and the removal of a barrier in the reconciliation process.

The Health Centre event was co-ordinated by respected elders Angie Akee and Emmanuel Ross, both of Torres Strait Islander descent.

People at both watched the Sorry Speech by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in Federal Parliament. The Torres News attended the Flinders Mall event at which Townsville City Council provided two TV screens to relay the event to all Townsville residents in the city mall. 

Townsville community representative Vicki Saylor, of Darnley island descent, said it was an historic event which should be shared by the whole community.

``It is an opportunity for everybody to share their views and feelings about this announcement,’’ Ms Saylor. ``It is a time to come together and identify with indigenous people and the terrible hardships those families have faced in the past which still reverberates through the community today.It is a chance to put right some of the wrongs of the past.

``It is a turning point in Australian history and it should not go by without celebration or at least stopping our daily routine to take in the significance of this event for indigenous and white Australian’s.

A sausage sizzle provided by Community Voices was provided at centre stage from 7.30 to 9:00am and Coffee Dominion in the city  put on free coffee to help celebrate the event.

Carol Mooka, from Mabuiag, wept as Prime Minister Rudd spoke and was comforted by friend Alice Barney.

“This goes a long way to healing the trans-generational trauma,” Ms Mooka said.

Torres Strait islander Sam Reuben (pictured above), a candidate for the Townsville City Council elections and a member for Community Voices expressed his outlook on the apology by the Australian Parliament.

“We talk about the great speeches throughout the world of famous leaders such President John F. Kennedy and Dr Martin Luther King, but this is one speech that will hold a significant time in history.

“This is an historic day for Australia. February 13, is about the Australian Parliament acknowledging the past and showing respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 “This is a moment that will define our National Identity and in the spirit of true reconciliation let’s acknowledge the past so that all Australians can share a united vision for the future.

“I believe it will be a healing process for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people after all these years and it’s a day that is going to be remembered.

“The word “SORRY” is only a small word and means ‘feeling or expressing regret for an action that has happened’, but more importantly it has great power and meaning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“I hope the whole Townsville local community can embrace and understand the meaning behind the apology from the Australian Parliament and recognise the some of the aspects of Australian History. Let’s except what February 13 is about and not put any conditions on the apology, which has tremendous value for the future in reconciliation,” Mr Reuben said.

    By ALF WILSON