A consistent participant and volunteer in the Turruk programs, Liz Weeks wrote this vision for the 100th Turruk celebration, inspired by the ‘Weaving Stories of Change’ program, and by Noel Pearson’s belief that the Australian Story encompasses three narratives that could unite us.
Under the light of the blazing stars of the Southern Cross and the magic of the Milky Way, a great continent lies. A continent of contrasts: vast sandy deserts, lush tropical forests, grasslands and majestic mountain ash, snow gums clinging to snow covered ridges
In this land of contrasts a people have lived for more than sixty millennia – the first story. 500 ‘mobs’, each with their own language, survivors, thrivers, ancient wisdom, protecting the abundance of flora and fauna. Custodians of traditional lands, waterways and seas. Families with elders, past present and ever emerging to keep the flame of existence and culture alive.
That same Southern Cross guided daring seafarers, exploring oceans and looking for a great South Land, and with them, the myth of Terra Nullius.
A second story starts. A story of invasion, explorers, convicts and settlers all seeking a new story. Colonisation. Land taken to build their dreams. Land that was never ceded. The wealth and privilege of newcomers built on the back of dispossession of First Peoples. My ancestors were among them. Heartache – loss of families, culture, language and land. Surviving and thriving for the newer comers. Cities, farms and fortune.
Then a third story. Seekers of freedom and sanctuary, fleeing oppression and fear, coming from lands near and far. Others migrating for a better life. A multicultural community springing up to bring their hope, faith, culture and ingenuity. All adding to this land of contrasts.
And weaving through this is the wisdom of the elders of First Peoples – oft forgotten but never lost. Desperately needed in the age of climate change, individualism and a new seeking for truth telling and deep listening in younger generations. Truth that turns this continent of contrasts towards the vision of a continent of co-workers, weaving the truth of the past and present with hope that each person within the three stories can know their voice is heard. Stories of Change. Weaving a walk with all peoples ‘in a movement of the Australian people for a better future’.
- Image: Liz Weeks at the Turruk ‘Weaving Stories of Change’ event on 29 October.