All in for Reconciliation
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Marist180 welcomed, supported and joined with many for this 2026 National Reconciliation Week. Staff gathered at La Valla, Blacktown, and online, to hear panellists and presenters share their experiences and insights on and of reconciliation. We were reminded that there are 5 dimensions to reconciliation: historical acceptance; race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity and unity. First Nations people speaking for themselves about justice and healing.
As we marked this week, we, Marist180, extended our wholehearted support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart (2017). The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to all Australians from First Nations people to unite and to build a better, shared future. We accept this invitation and encourage all in this land to do so as an integral step towards Reconciliation.
One of our panellists and presenters, Cultural Practice Lead Nakiya Smith, expressed it with clarity and conviction:
‘This week at Marist180 we came together for National Reconciliation Week under the theme “All In.”
Today’s event created space for difficult conversations, honest reflection and meaningful connection. We acknowledged the importance of culture being at the forefront of the work we do every day, while continuing to support and empower First Nations staff, young people and communities.
Reconciliation is more than words - it is walking alongside one another, listening, learning and taking action together. Proud to stand with colleagues committed to creating culturally safe spaces and strengthening the journey forward together.’
Our other of panellist and presenter, Aboriginal Services Manager Arthur Frail, drew on a wide variety of experiences, grounding his reflections in family and mob, and beginning with recognition of Arthur’s mother and father being members of the Stolen Generations. Arthur called us to truth, redress, healing and ongoing care… elements that Arthur and the team he leads at Daramu are committed to, work on and work towards.
An important element of our National Reconciliation Week gathering was the acknowledgement and recognition of 2 Marist180 staff members who have gone above and beyond and strongly demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation. Our two recipients, and their respective citations:
1. Jane Powles –
Jane embodies the spirit of the reconciliation theme “All In” through her unwavering commitment to inclusion, advocacy, and action. She actively supports First Nations staff by creating opportunities for their voices to be heard and respected within the organisation. Jane goes beyond intention by helping teams access and apply for grants that enable meaningful NAIDOC events, ensuring culture is celebrated and recognised in authentic ways.
Importantly, Jane demonstrates courage and integrity-she stands up when things aren’t right, advocating for fairness and cultural safety. Her leadership reflects what it truly means to be “All In”: showing up, taking action, and supporting First Nations people in practical, impactful ways.
Therése Flood –
Therése exemplifies the “All In” spirit of reconciliation through her strong leadership and deep commitment within the PSP program. In the 18 months Therése has been at Marist180, Therése’s passion and advocacy for First Nations young people, families, and communities has contributed to positive and powerful change.
Therése creates space for Aboriginal voices to be heard at the decision-making table, embedding cultural inclusion into practice rather than treating it as an afterthought. Her leadership is grounded in respect, relationship, and accountability, empowering others to listen, learn, and act.
Through her advocacy and dedication, Therése demonstrates what it means to be truly “All In”—standing alongside First Nations communities, championing their voices, and driving meaningful, lasting change.
This is the first time in several years Marist180 has marked National Reconciliation Week in a meaningful way. We heard from and drew on the knowledge and first-hand experience of Nakiya and Arthur, we recognised colleagues who are leading the way in reconciliation, and gathered to yarn over afternoon tea-importantly, provided by two different First Nations Hospitality providers. Reconciliation will not happen by itself, and it will not happen without all of us. All In makes clear that reconciliation requires all of to move from the sidelines and take action to make change.
