An inspiring example of allyship at CPA is the long-standing relationship between DSP Andrea and First Nations client Gary a proud Bundjalung man from Box Ridge, near Coraki in Northern NSW. He has lived at a CPA Supported Independent Living residence on Sydney’s Northern Beaches since 1987, and Andrea has supported him for more than 20 years.
During this time, Andrea has accompanied Gary to more than 200 cultural events providing Gary with the opportunity to connect with his culture, community, and Country. Their connection is a powerful reminder of the role each of us can play in reconciliation through everyday actions and meaningful relationships.
This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next’, emphasises the ongoing connection between past, present and future. Andrea’s support for Gary – helping him stay connected to his past and continue to explore his culture today and into the future – is a powerful demonstration of how reconciliation is lived through everyday actions and meaningful relationships.
Recently, Gary and Andrea attended the Kyeemagh Blak Market in South Sydney, a celebration of Indigenous artists and small businesses. Andrea recounts her and Gary’s powerful experience of the day and what it meant for them both:
“It’s a privilege to be in your company today and watch from afar your connection to land, culture and your people. We have much to learn. As I embark on your land and hold one hand to pass over to your uncles and aunties, I watch your face light up. No words need to be spoken. The spirituality, wind, and reconnection to land and people are more powerful than words.
The connection to one another is strong as the elders teach and guide the next generation through Storytime, dancing, and singing using traditional musical instruments led by Djiriba Waagura cultural dance performance. Gary’s watching his surroundings and scanning the space around him.
He seems more distracted today but I’m unsure by what. His eyes look at mine and he doesn’t break for several minutes. He’s trying to tell me something. I’ve had the privilege to accompany Gary for 25 years onto Aboriginal land to reconnect with his people at different events but today feels different. Gary continues to watch and lean towards his elders as the children perform.
We wander through the markets as Gary connects with his uncles and aunties as the stalls roll by. The most spectacular artwork attracts our attention and the T-shirts hanging from the top of the canopy recognising 65,000 years of survival.
The stall holder was an artist from Bundjalung country. This always sparks something inside as Gary was born on Bundjalung land and it’s important not to miss an opportunity to reconnect with relatives. We’re always searching for Bundjalung music, artwork, clothing, artifacts and memorabilia as I’ve noticed over the years it has a particular style and it’s important for Gary to stay connected to his homeland 700km away.
As we chatted, we discovered the artist’s father was born at Box Ridge on the mission where Gary spent the first few years of his life on the Aboriginal Reserve. After further discussion and sharing stories, he was certain Gary was a distant relative to his family. I felt so excited for Gary. We took photos and afforded time to connect with his relative, which was extremely special to watch and be part of. Gary purchased two inspiring Aboriginal t-shirts designed by his relative.
We continued walking and watching our surroundings as we interacted with the stall holders. Gary enjoyed a traditional lunch of locally caught fresh fish cooked by his aunties and uncles.
During lunch time we listened to a beautiful traditional singing performance by duo Cianna and Olivia who sung many songs in indigenous languages. We finished with a stroll along the seaside water’s edge as the day wrapped up with a cultural fishing haul. A truly spectacular day was had by Gary reconnecting with his culture.”
