Uni staff urged to acknowledge "sorry" day

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Tuesday, 12 February 2008

The University of Adelaide has encouraged its more than 2800 staff to take time off to acknowledge and celebrate tomorrow's national apology by Federal Parliament to the Stolen Generations.

"The University of Adelaide has a strong commitment to national reconciliation," says the University's Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor James McWha.

Professor McWha says staff will receive the University's support to attend a national apology event being organised at Elder Park, Adelaide, from 8am on Wednesday 13 February. The event is being organised by Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia Inc., and is backed by the State Government and Reconciliation SA.

The University's Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) is playing a key role at the event, by helping to organise music and stage manage the music acts. CASM musicians will perform throughout the event.

Professor McWha says that as one of South Australia's biggest employers, the University has a duty to encourage reconciliation among its staff and the wider community.

"In the spirit of reconciliation, we believe it is important to provide support and assistance to staff who would like to take some time out of their day to acknowledge and celebrate this historic occasion," Professor McWha says.

"We've suggested to all staff that if they would like to attend, they should discuss it with their supervisors and make arrangements to do so."

The University of Adelaide launched its Statement of Reconciliation in July 2003, and last year unveiled a reconciliation sculpture on its North Terrace Campus.

A copy of the University's Reconciliation Statement can be found at: www.adelaide.edu.au/reconciliation/

"I've said before that this statement is more than just words on paper - it is a living, working document which the entire University community can engage with," Professor McWha says.

"Encouraging staff to celebrate this important step forward in reconciliation is just one of the many ways that we can help to make reconciliation real."

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