An Aboriginal History of Willoughby

A nice photo of three of my Councillor colleagues last Wednesday at the lauch of Bo-ra-ne Ya-goo-na Par-ry-boo-go Yesterday Today Tomorrow, an Aboriginal History of Willoughby. Stuart Coppock looking especially happy to see this great result of a Motion he put to Council some 3 years ago, celebrating with newly elected Clr John Hooper and returning Clr Wendy Norton. Author Jessica Currie has stated that she wants us to imagine what Aboriginal life would have been like in the Willoughby area, before the arrival of the British. Over many months she has assembled a remarkable amount of material from the archeology, from journals of the coloniser and direct quotation from Aboriginal women "to give a voice...where that connection has been lost". The work is nicely illustrated, well referenced and provides a chronology of Aboriginal history 1770 - 2008. A drop in the ocean against the 60,000 years of continuous prior occupation, care and custodianship of this great land of ours!

Incidentally, the Northern Sydney Reconciliaion Network extends to you an Invitation to a FREE EVENT - ALL WELCOME Its a COMMUNITY BBQ at 6.30 & FORUM (7.15 - 9 pm) on Friday 24 October 2008 The Dougherty Centre, 7 Victor St, Chatswood entitled " PATHWAYS OF PROGRESS: ABORIGINAL INSIGHTS featuring:
ADEN RIDGEWAY Executive Chairman, Indigenous Tourism Australia"Indigenous Tourism - Future Opportunities"
GREG DAVISONIndigenous Engagement Officer, CSIRO"Indigenous Engagement - Engaging in a Sustainable Way"
LINDON COOMBES Executive Director, Tranby Aboriginal College"Aboriginal Education - A Changing Environment"
0438 777 545 for more information.

New Office for Old Souls

In a totally unique collaboration, 7 northside Councils are working together to help protect and promote our Aboriginal Heritage. Cost shared and with support from the NSW Heritage Office the Aboriginal Heritage Office is a bridge for Councils in our Area with the Metro Land Council - the legislated body recognised as having responsibility for promotion and protection of Aboriginal heritage in most of urban Sydney, east of Parramatta. It is therefore a real honour for us to have the office located in Northbridge, as of about a month ago. Check out the website and see what's on in the way of guided walks and information resources. Every year the office participates in the Guringai Festival a series of events held throughout the region, from May through to July.
Pictured here are Sue Pinckham Social Planner, Dave Watts Manager, and Phil Hunt Archeologist. Looking forward to the official opening I am.