For the last few years on January 26, our Tearfund Outer Eastern Supporters (TOES) group in Melbourne has come together to bring awareness and understanding to issues related to their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters.
The group hold a stall at the Belgrave Survival Day event, a local community event which celebrates the survival of Australian Indigenous people, their culture and heritage.
Tearfund Group leader Becca Allchin said this year, the group set up a tree and invited people to write on a leaf and peg it on a branch “to acknowledge the pain and injustice of the past and present, and/or express hopes for the future.”
Over 50 people responded, with many moving messages. One included: “There is much that needs to be truth telling, acknowledgement of country to build respect for all Australian Indigenous people of all nations and languages, expressed in real humility and with love and faith to work together for a better future for all, and trusting in Creator God to guide us in the right paths.”
Another said: "First time here and I feel like it has changed me for the better. I’m reminded of the country we stand on and what was taken and want to do all I can to give back."
Becca said: “It was a great day. Comments like these below help us remember the role Survival Day has in educating and changing the hearts of people.”
Thank you to our TOES Group for your heart to be agents of reconciliation and to bring understanding, hope and healing!
Tearfund Groups are a great way to connect with people who share your passion for achieving justice and ending poverty.
