Proud Partnerships in Place
2021 First Peoples Public Administration Virtual Conference
Price
Free
Location
Online
Duration
4 x 3 hours sessions delivered across 4 weeks
Dates
17 February 2021 - 10 March 2021
Jump to
Overview
“We talk about partnership, we talk about engagement, but are we really clear on what that means?”
– Lil Anderson – Chief Executive,
Te Arawhiti– Office for Māori Crown Relations, NZ, speaking at last year’s conference
The past 12 months have been difficult for many, not least partnerships between Indigenous agencies, communities and governments. While many have been challenged, genuine partnerships built on foundations of trust and respect have not only survived but been agile, innovative and even strengthened through the environmental trials and the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualities that have resulted in a different and successful post-COVID recovery, require detailed exploration.
The Proud Partnerships in Place: 2021 ANZSOG First Peoples Public Administration Virtual Conference will unpack and celebrate the successes we are already seeing across Australia, Aotearoa-New Zealand and internationally. It will also challenge participants to think beyond the way things have always operated, to consider how First Peoples knowledge, local community decision-making and new relationships with government and the public purpose sector can be mobilised to meet the needs of communities.
Governments and First Peoples are working together on treaty, well-being budget initiatives, voice, recognition, land management, health and social service issues that all require authentic partnerships, to solve local and global challenges. This work constitutes a resetting of relationships and will determine a new course for how First Peoples and government agencies work together into the future. The conference will provide an opportunity to examine how local knowledge can address global challenges in the face of increasingly constrained resources, threats to the environment and the disproportionate impact of these events on First Peoples communities.
For frequently asked questions (including pricing) please see here.
Please note: registrations will continue to be open during the conference (17 February 2021 – 10 March 2021). Delegates will receive live access to events depending on when they register. For example, if they register after the first event, 17 February 2021, they will receive live access to events 2-4 in addition to exclusive access to recordings/resources from the first event.
About the conference
2021 Conference Theme
The past 12 months have been difficult for many, not least partnerships between Indigenous communities and governments. While many have been challenged, genuine partnerships built on foundations of trust and respect have not only survived but been agile, innovative and even strengthened through the environmental challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualities that have resulted in a different and successful post-COVID recovery, require detailed exploration.
The Proud Partnerships in Place: 2021 ANZSOG First Peoples Public Administration Virtual Conference will unpack and celebrate the successes we are already seeing across Australia, Aotearoa-New Zealand and internationally. It will also challenge participants to think beyond the way things have always operated, to consider how First Peoples knowledge, local community decision-making and new relationships with government and the public purpose sector can be mobilised to meet the needs of communities.
Governments and First Peoples are working together on a range of treaty, well-being budget initiatives, voice, recognition, land management, health and social service issues that all require authentic partnerships, to solve local and global challenges. This work constitutes a resetting of relationships and will determine a new course for how First Peoples and government agencies work together into the future. The conference will provide an opportunity to examine how local knowledge can address global challenges in the face of increasingly constrained resources, threats to the environment and the disproportionate impact of these events on First Peoples communities.
Conference Program and Location
ANZSOG invites Indigenous community organisations, government agencies, academics, not-for-profits and the private sector to attend the virtual conference from 17 February to 10 March 2021, across four consecutive Wednesdays 11.30am – 2.30pm AEDT.
The conference will take place virtually, using leading technology from OnAir to provide a safe environment either at the office, a community venue, your home or your preferred device while on the road, for honest discussions and encourage positive contributions relating to the future of First Peoples public administration in Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand.
The conference program is currently under development, but will include a keynote address from a prominent Indigenous speaker, plenaries and panel discussions with distinguished speakers and international Indigenous leaders. Virtual breakout sessions with speakers will enable you to move between sessions and be inspired by distinguished public sector, community and academic representatives.
Networking sessions will also be available where attendees can choose and schedule several one hour ‘pre-event sessions’ and move effortlessly between a range of virtual meeting hubs to catch up in an informal virtual setting.
Please check the ANZSOG website for further program information closer to the date. Conference attendees will be notified as speakers are confirmed. Early bird, group and community discounted pricing is available upon registration.
Conference delegates will be given access to the event portal url via email prior to 17 February 2021.
First Peoples Conferences
This is the third ANZSOG First Peoples Public Administration Conference, delivered in partnership with National Indigenous Australia Agency (NIAA). The 2017 and 2019 conferences provided an opportunity for the public sector, community organisations, not-for-profit representatives and academics to explore new approaches to First Peoples public administration.
For more general conference information please review the FAQs below.
For enquiries please contact Sharon Nelson-Kelly, Senior Advisor, First Peoples Program and Strategy firstpeoples@anzsog.edu.au.
Join the conversation using #FirstPeoples2021
View previous conference conversations here:
- 2019 Reimagining Public Administration + the official conference video
- 2017 Indigenous Affairs and Public Administration: Can’t we do better?
First Peoples Strategy
Indigenous models of governance and political organisation are some of the oldest and longest continuing in the world and are a foundation for our understanding of distinctly Australian and Aotearoa-New Zealand governance models. Developing a First Peoples strategy recognises the impact of colonisation on Indigenous peoples, and the long history of government policies and actions that have disadvantaged and discriminated against First Peoples in both Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand. ANZSOG’s Strategy 2025 commits to “working with communities across Australia and New Zealand to promote and prioritise the perspectives and contributions of First Peoples”. The ANZSOG First Peoples Strategy builds on this commitment.
Enquiries and Engagement
Enquiries
For any enquiries about the 2021 First Peoples Virtual conference, please contact Sharon Nelson-Kelly, Senior Advisor, First Peoples Program and Strategy (firstpeoples@anzsog.edu.au).
Stay informed
- Conference hashtag: #FirstPeoples2021
- Follow ANZSOG on Twitter: @ANZSOG
- Follow NIAA on Twitter: @indigenous_gov
- Subscribe to Indigenous News – ANZSOG’s newsletter for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori
Registration FAQs
1. Where will the 2021 conference be held?
ANZSOG’s 2021 First Peoples Conference, Proud Partnerships in Place, will be held virtually using the OnAir platform. This is the first time the conference will be held online. The 2019 conference was held in Melbourne on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. The 2020 event was scheduled for Brisbane’s Southbank on the lands of the Turrbal and Jagera peoples but was cancelled and shifted to an online delivery, due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. What is the theme of the 2021 conference?
The theme of ANZSOG’s 2021 First Peoples Virtual Conference is Proud Partnerships in Place. The conference will focus on successful partnerships between governments, agencies and communities, place-based initiatives, and new ways of working together. More information about the conference can be found on the conference page.
3. When will the 2021 conference take place?
Proud Partnerships in Place will take place mid-February to mid-March. The conference will span four days, commencing Wednesday 17 February 2021 to Wednesday– 10 March 2021 (4 x 3-hour sessions delivered across 4 weeks) from 11.30am – 2.30pm AEDT.
4. How do I register and what are the registration fees?
You can register for Proud Partnerships in Place through the conference website.
| Early bird
People working in the public, private or university sector |
$352 AU (incl GST) | $320 AU (excl GST) | Closing date 31 December 2020 |
| Full registration
People working in the public, private or university sector* |
$396 AU (incl GST) | $360 AU (excl GST) | Closing date 10 March 2021** |
| Community registration
People working in the not-for-profit community sector or students |
$55 AU (incl GST) | $50 AU (excl GST) | Closing date 10 March 2021**
|
*If you are from the university sector and self-funding your registration, please contact firstpeoples@anzsog.edu.au
** please note, registrations will be open for the entirety of the conference. Delegates will receive live access to events depending on when they register. Recording and resources from all events will be available for all delegates throughout the conference.
5. What is a full registration?
The full registration rate applies to people who work in the public, private or university sector.
6. Who qualifies for the community registration rate?
The community registration rate is available to people who work in the not-for-profit community sector and students. Please contact us (firstpeoples@anzsog.edu.au) if any queries on whether this rate applies to you.
We will review registrations to ensure delegates have selected the correct rate.
7. Will there be an early bird pricing? When does early bird pricing end?
Yes – early bird pricing will run until 31 December 2020.
8. When do registrations open and close?
Registrations are now open. Registrations will close on the last day of the conference, March 10 2021. Delegates will receive live access to events depending on when they register (e.g. if they register after the first event, 17 February 2021, they will receive live access to events 2-4, in addition to exclusive access to all recordings/resources from the first event). Recording and resources from all events will be available for all delegates throughout the conference.
9. The registration form asks for my organisation details, but I am a student/ individual- what do I write?
Please provide the most accurate information regarding your organisation in your registration. If you are a student, you can provide your university details. Alternatively, you can fill in the required fields with “n/a”.
10. Where can I find the program?
The program is under development and will be made available on the conference page closer to the date. Delegates will receive an email with more information when the program is available.
11. How do I sign up to a session in the program?
Delegates will receive an email prior to the first event (17 February 2021) which will hold a link to access the conference portal. The link will provide options for delegates to access all the conference sessions.
12. Who is speaking at the conference?
The program is under development and delegates will receive regular updates on speakers once they have confirmed their availability and are added to the program.
13. How do I log in to / access the conference?
Delegates will receive a unique url to access the conference portal prior to the first day of the conference (Wednesday 17 February 2021). Please use this same link for each of the remaining conference events. If you have not received the email by COB Friday 12 February, please check your spam folder, junk mail, or contact firstpeoples@anzsog.edu.au.
14. If I want to cancel my registration, can I get a refund?
Yes – please refer to the ANZSOG event cancellation policy below.
15. What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation notifications received more than 30 days from commencement of the conference will be fully refunded.
Cancellations made within 15 to 30 days of delivery will incur a 50% charge of the full conference fee (i.e. a 50% refund).
If the original invoice has not been paid it will be cancelled and a new invoice will be issued to cover this cancellation charge.
Cancellation notifications received within 14 days from commencement of the conference will incur a 100% charge of the full fee. The invoice will need to be paid in full and reminders will be sent to this effect.
| Days prior to commencement date (excluding the commencement date) | Transferring registration to a colleague | Cancellation fee |
| 30+ days | No fee | No fee |
| 15-30 days | No fee | 50% of conference fee forfeited, 50% refunded |
| 0-14 days | No fee | 100% of conference fee forfeited. |
16. If l can no longer attend, will I be able to transfer my registration to a colleague?
Yes, please contact us at firstpeoples@anzsog.edu.au to change the name on your registration.
17. Can I contact ANZSOG if I have a query about the conference?
Yes – please direct your conference queries to Sharon Nelson-Kelly, Senior Advisor First Peoples Program and Strategy (firstpeoples@anzsog.edu.au).
18. Where can I find information about last year’s conference?
Information from ANZSOG’s First Peoples 2019 Conference, Reimagining Public Administration, including the conference report, can be found on the 2019 conference website.
19. Is this conference only open to First Peoples from Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand?
Proud Partnerships in Place, is open to all public sector employees, university and education providers, as well as all community organisations from every jurisdictions across Australia, Aotearoa-New Zealand and across the globe.
20. Can I make a group booking?
Yes – group registrations are enabled on the event’s registration form. At the bottom of the registration summary page, there is an add group member button which will direct the registrant to complete the details for their group members (registrants will need every group member’s email address). Once all group members have been added to the registration, a group invoice will be generated and issued to the group leader.
Each person under the group registration will receive a confirmation email with the details of the event. This will enable them to modify or cancel their registration. A unique password will be sent prior to 17 February 2021 which will allow the registrant to access the portal, create their own schedule, pre-book a range of networking meetings and schedule different sessions.”
Sponsorship
Proud Partnerships in Place offers a unique opportunity for local, national and global exposure to promote your organisation, as well as demonstrate your support and commitment to better outcomes for Indigenous communities. This includes wider recognition through pre and post-conference promotions.
For more information on ANZSOG, our commitment to First Peoples, and our unique sponsorship opportunities and benefits, please download our Sponsorship Proposal.
Please contact us at firstpeoples@anzsog.edu.au if you have any further questions.
Conference sponsors
“Meaningful collaboration is central to our work, and we cannot have real improvements in health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people without building long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities. This conference is an opportunity for us to support a forum that will share the stories of success that are already happening across Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand, and help build stronger partnerships for the future.”
– Adjunct Professor Debora Picone AO, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
Program
4-days, commencing 17 February 2021 – 10 March 2021 11.30am – 2.30pm AEDT.
Each 3-hour event across four consecutive Wednesdays will include panel discussions and breakout Q&A yarning circles, where attendees can ask questions and move between sessions.
Proud Partnerships in Place was widely acknowledged by stakeholders and past conference delegates as an opportunity to move away from deficit issues and showcase and celebrate successful local, place-based solutions – a result of partnerships between government and Indigenous agencies and communities. This theme continues throughout the 4-day conference, with each of the four days providing attendees with an opportunity to explore a different focus area.
Speakers will cover a range of topics, sufficiently broad to allow presenters to share transformative models of partnership that have evolved, strengthened or changed, and the lessons learned to survive, be adaptive and thrive, despite challenges that often have a devastating impact on Indigenous communities.
The four-day conference will be hosted by Dan Conifer, a Ngemba-Muruwari man and political reporter for the ABC 7.30 report.
Sponsored by: ACT Government
This event will set the scene and provide a framework model of what proud partnerships mean. This event will challenge and inspire the possibilities of working in partnership, showcasing innovative results, unintended consequences and ongoing challenges between governments and communities. How can governments successfully deliver on promises and remain accountable to the communities they are looking to serve?
Pre-event networking sessions
Time: 9.45 am AEDT
Wominjeka, Kia Ora and welcome to Proud Partnerships in Place. Upon entering the virtual conference platform delegates will have opportunities to connect with in virtual rooms.
Wayapa Wuurrk (starting at 10am – 10.45am): an earth connection practice based on ancient Indigenous wisdom that focuses on taking care of the Earth as the starting point for creating Earth Mind Body Spirit well-being. This will be a live session.
ANZSOG Launchpad (10.30am – 11.15am): Delegates will learn how ANZSOG can strengthen their professional development journeys and receive information on our leadership programs.
The Lounge: A place to unwind, relax and enjoy past performances from notable Indigenous artists across Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand.
Deadly Collections: A place to share your favourite First Peoples books, films, music, articles or resources. Leave your recommendations and we will collate and share them with conference attendees.
Event one: Setting the scene (sponsored by ACT Government)
Time: 11.30am AEDT
Hosted by Dan Conifer
Opening address
Speakers: Hon. Ken Wyatt AM, Hon. Nanaia Mahuta MP
Panel: Defining partnerships
Speakers: June Oscar AO, Judge Caren Fox
Every partnership needs to be different to reflect the needs of the communities involved. So how do we define partnerships, and move away from hierarchical relationships to relationships based on power-sharing and respect?
Recommended reading from June Oscar: Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices): Securing our Rights, Securing our Future Report 2020
Recommended reading from Judge Caren Fox: Te Tai Haruru: Journal of Māori and Indigenous Issues
Panel: Delivering on promises and remaining accountable
Speakers: Pat Turner, Trevor Moeke, Professor Tom Calma AO, Dame Naida Glavish
Building partnerships requires thinking about the long-term, and accountability measures need to reflect this. This session looks at different ways of thinking about accountability, and delivering on commitments, and how partnerships can improve accountability in the long-term.
Yarning circles – Concurrent Q&A sessions
Time: 1.30pm AEDT
Designed so delegates can move easily between sessions, these yarning circles will give delegates an opportunity to ask questions on the topics and themes covered in the previous panel discussions.
Yarning circle 1 – Defining partnerships
Speaker: June Oscar AO
Yarning circle 2 – Defining partnerships
Speaker: Judge Caren Fox
Yarning circle 3 – Delivering on promises and remaining accountable
Speaker: Trevor Moeke
Yarning circle 4 – Delivering on promises and remaining accountable
Speaker: Dame Naida Glavish
Yarning circle 5 – Delivering on promises and remaining accountable
Speaker: Blair Excell, Deputy CEO Policy & Programs, NIAA
Reflections and moving forward
Time: 2.15pm AEDT
Prepared by Dan Conifer
Event one concludes
Time: 2.30pm AEDT
This event will look towards solving global challenges. How can local solutions and First Peoples knowledge contribute to better policy on local and global challenges? How is accountability maintained in these relationships in the long-term? This event will highlight better ways of working with communities on issues surrounding caring for Country, environmental management, and post pandemic economic recovery.
Pre-event Networking sessions
Time: 9.45am AEDT
Wominjeka, kia ora and welcome to Proud Partnerships in Place. Upon entering the virtual conference platform delegates will have opportunities to connect in virtual rooms.
- Wayapa Wuurrk (10am – 10.45am): an earth connection practice based on ancient Indigenous wisdom that focuses on taking care of the Earth as the starting point for creating Earth Mind Body Spirit well-being. This will be a live session.
- ANZSOG Launchpad (10.30am – 11.15am): Delegates will learn how ANZSOG can strengthen their professional development journey and receive information on our leadership programs, the First Peoples scholarship for an Indigenous senior public sector manager and the ANZSOG First Peoples strategy.
- The Lounge: A place to unwind, relax and enjoy past performances from notable Indigenous artists across Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand.
- Deadly Collections: A place to share your favourite First Peoples books, films, music, tv series, galleries, exhibitions, articles or other Indigenous resources. Leave your recommendations and we will collate and share them with conference attendees.
Solving global challenges
Time: 11.30am AEDT
Hosted by Dan Conifer
Welcome to Country
Uncle Dave Wandin
Panel: Caring for Country and Mana whenua
Speakers:
Partnerships that reflect the importance of the environment to First Peoples, and harness their knowledge of country, are not just important for the local environment but can be used to address bigger environmental challenges such as climate change and appropriate sustainable climate action.
Panel: Cultural burning and the sacredness of water
Speakers:
Governments that adopt First Peoples perspectives on fire and water stand to reap the environmental benefits for everyone. This session focuses on Indigenous-led fire management in Australia and the incorporation of the sacredness of water to Māori into Aotearoa New Zealand’s environmental policy and legislation, and what more needs to be done.
Yarning circles – Concurrent Q&A sessions
Time: 1.30pm AEDT
Designed so delegates can move easily between sessions, these yarning circles will give delegates an opportunity to ask questions on the topics and themes covered in the previous panel discussions.
Yarning circle 1 – Caring for Country and Mana whenua
Speaker: Cheryl Leavy
Cheryl Leavy will be speaking on the Gurra Gurra Framework. You can watch its launch here.
Yarning circle 2 – Caring for Country and Mana whenua
Speaker: Tina Porou
Yarning circle 3 – Cultural burning and the sacredness of water
Speaker: Shane Graham
Yarning circle 4 – Cultural burning and the sacredness of water
Speaker: Trent Nelson
Yarning circle 5 – Cultural burning and the sacredness of water
Speaker: Dr Erin O’Donnell
Recommended resources from Dr O’Donnell include:
- a video on the
- an explainer on Cultural flows
- an article from The Conversation: Victoria just gave 2 billion litres of water back to Indigenous people. Here’s what that means for the rest of Australia
- and two government sites on Recognising and managing for Aboriginal values and Birrarung Council – the ‘voice of the Yarra’
Reflections and moving forward
Time: 2.15pm AEDT
Summary of today’s discussions and yarning circles prepared by Dan Conifer
Event two concludes
Time: 2.30pm AEDT
This event will explore how Treaty accountabilities are being delivered in Aotearoa-New Zealand and how Treaty obligations more broadly, can be used to develop economic prosperity and innovation. This will be part of a broader discussion of how different approaches like the Aotearoa-New Zealand’s Wellbeing Budget and living standards framework, can be used to change treaty partnered relationships, and outcomes. Including an update on the work of the First Peoples’ Assembly Victoria and the first-ever Australian truth and justice commission, to recognise ongoing injustices against First Peoples in Victoria.
Pre-event Networking sessions
Time: 9.45am AEDT
Wominjeka, kia ora and welcome to Proud Partnerships in Place. Upon entering the virtual conference platform delegates will have opportunities to connect in virtual rooms.
- Wayapa Wuurrk (10am – 10.45am): an earth connection practice based on ancient Indigenous wisdom that focuses on taking care of the Earth as the starting point for creating Earth Mind Body Spirit well-being. This will be a live session.
- ANZSOG Launchpad (10.30am – 11.15am): Delegates will learn how ANZSOG can strengthen their professional development journey and receive information on our leadership programs, the First Peoples scholarship for an Indigenous senior public sector manager and the ANZSOG First Peoples strategy.
- The Lounge: A place to unwind, relax and enjoy past performances from notable Indigenous artists across Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand.
- Deadly Collections: A place to share your favourite First Peoples books, films, music, tv series, galleries, exhibitions, articles or other Indigenous resources. Leave your recommendations and we will collate and share them with conference attendees.
- Structuring change
Time: 11.30am AEDT
Hosted by Dan Conifer
Welcome to Country
Uncle Dave Wandin
Keynote Address: Treaty – past, present, future
Honourable Justice Sir Joe Williams KNZM
A synopsis of the journey since Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed, the Waitangi Tribunal established to address grievances and how the Treaty principles of partnership, participation and protection are being addressed today, for the future.
Panel: Treaty Obligations and Accountabilities
Speakers:
Australia often looks to Aotearoa-New Zealand to see how a Treaty can drive change for First Peoples. This trans-Tasman session looks at the strengths and challenges of Treaty-based approaches to building partnerships and putting real social and economic power in the hands of First Peoples. At the same time we will look at the unique strides the First Peoples’ Assembly Victoria are taking, as they move closer to creating a Treaty Negotiation Framework.
Yarning circles – Concurrent Q&A sessions
Time: 1.30pm AEDT
Designed so delegates can move easily between sessions, these yarning circles will give delegates an opportunity to ask questions on the topics and themes covered in the previous panel discussions.
Yarning circle 1 – Treaty – yesterday, today and tomorrow
Speaker: Honourable Justice Sir Joe Williams KNZM
Yarning circle 2 – Treaty Obligations and Accountabilities
Speaker: Lil Anderson
Yarning circle 3 – Treaty Obligations and Accountabilities
Speaker: Oliver Parsons and Trevor Moeke
Yarning circle 4 – Treaty Obligations and Accountabilities
Speaker: Rueben Berg
Reflections and moving forward
Time: 2.15pm AEDT
Summary of today’s discussions and yarning circles by conference host Dan Conifer
Event three concludes
Time: 2.30pm AEDT
This concluding event will again take an optimistic approach and look at how governments and communities have worked together on complex challenges. We will hear from speakers on transformative health services including Indigenous and COVID-19 response policy and implementation, mental health services and healing, and justice re-investment programs operating in several jurisdictions. For most communities all of these challenges are linked, and it is only through partnerships that First Peoples can use their knowledge of their own communities to develop holistic and lasting solutions to these issues.
Pre-event Networking sessions
Time: 9.45am AEDT
Wominjeka, kia ora and welcome to Proud Partnerships in Place. Upon entering the virtual conference platform delegates will have opportunities to connect in virtual rooms.
- Wayapa Wuurrk (10am – 10.45am): an earth connection practice based on ancient Indigenous wisdom that focuses on taking care of the Earth as the starting point for creating Earth Mind Body Spirit well-being. This will be a live session.
- ANZSOG Launchpad (10.30am – 11.15am): Delegates will learn how ANZSOG can strengthen their professional development journey and receive information on our leadership programs, the First Peoples scholarship for an Indigenous senior public sector manager and the ANZSOG First Peoples strategy.
- The Lounge: A place to unwind, relax and enjoy past performances from notable Indigenous artists across Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand.
- Deadly Collections: A place to share your favourite First Peoples books, films, music, tv series, galleries, exhibitions, articles or other Indigenous resources. Leave your recommendations and we will collate and share them with conference attendees.
Turning trends
Time: 11.30am AEDT
About the artist
ANZSOG’s upcoming Proud Partnerships in Place: First Peoples public administration virtual conference will feature original Māori and Aboriginal artwork designed to inspire attendees and represent the journey ANZSOG is undertaking to work with First Peoples and incorporate their knowledge and culture into all aspects of our work.
ANZSOG Dean and CEO Ken Smith said that ANZSOG had featured Indigenous artwork in all three of its First Peoples conferences in recognition of the essential nature of story telling, art and creativity to Indigenous cultures.
“Proud Partnerships will be about exploring the many strengths and deep knowledge in Indigenous communities and how governments can build genuine partnerships which harness those strengths to drive change,” he said.
“This beautiful artwork illustrates the journey we are on, and what we are trying to achieve through our First Peoples conferences – events that build connections and provide a vital forum to share the aspirations and successes of First Peoples.”
The commissioned artwork ‘Te Haerenga’ (The Journey) has been produced by Māori artist Aaron McTaggart (Te Arawa – Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Rangi Wewehi) who was born in Rotorua, New Zealand and has been living in Sydney for 17 years with his whanau (family). He has exhibited in many galleries in Australia and was a feature artist in the ‘Pasifika’ Exhibition at the Casula Powerhouse Museum in Sydney in 2014.
Te Haerenga (The Journey) – Aaron McTaggart
His work is a contemporary interpretation of Māori art forms used in Raranga (weaving) including Harakeke (flax), Tukutuku (decorative woven panels used to adorn the walls of a Māori meeting house to record their history) and Ta Moko (tattoos, a visual story which connects the person to their Whakapapa (genealogy) and Māoritanga (culture). Mr McTaggart says he endeavours to put Wairua (spirit) and Aroha (feeling) into every visual interpretation, to bring a fresh perspective to tell the story.
He said that Te Haerenga told a stylised story blending Māori history and ANZSOG’s mission to improve government.
“This stylised story begins in the top left corner when Māori arrived in Aotearoa-New Zealand and Marama (moon) illuminated Te Po (darkness) and past descendants guided our Tupuna (ancestors) to navigate the ocean to discover Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud),” he said.
“Underneath this, the brow of the Waka (canoe) represents Māori embarking on the epic journey to become Tangata Whenua (first people of the land). The green at the bottom left is the fertile land of Aotearoa, representing the balance of nature and knowledge of Māori to provide food and medicine for generations, to sustain their Iwi (tribes), Hapu (sub-tribes) and Whanau (families).
“The two blue sections at the top represent the Wai (water) between Australia and New Zealand, and while it keeps us apart – water is the essence of all life and pays homage to the Mauri (life force) that strongly connects Māori, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People to water.
“At the top, is a brown and red Koru (a symbol of new growth, new beginnings, new relationships) that is surrounded by light blue lines with a red centre. The other black and yellow Koru encompasses Māori Tikanga (customs and protocols) that keep Māori connected to their identity. Inside the Koru, community is the focus – people living and working together to achieve better outcomes for their Tamariki (children) and ultimately our communities.
“The brown ‘fields’ in the bottom right represent the culture, perspectives and values of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander People and Māori, that can better inform the work of the public sector, academics and community agencies.
“The green section on the right hand side represents the environment and how essential it is for the wellbeing of all First Peoples cultures. Beneath this, the brown and red earth of Australia depicts the critical importance of caring for Whenua (land/country), to the generations of Indigenous Kaitiaki of the land.”
“In the centre, the small black and red triangles inside the white curved line, symbolise the steps ANZSOG has taken since it began its journey in 2002.
He said the journey and milestones ANZSOG has achieved thus far are illustrated beneath the steps. The grey pathway that moves beyond these milestones signifies the journey ahead and the achievements and stories yet to unfold.
“The cross hatch design in the bottom right depicts the reward that is nurtured and reaped through education. The purpose of ANZSOG is paramount, to continually provide the public sector, academics and community leaders with the knowledge to develop the best public administration tools to achieve the best outcomes for all First Peoples.”
For its 2019 First Peoples conference Reimagining Public Administration, held in Melbourne, ANZSOG commissioned an original artwork – “Journey – where we have been & where we are going” – from local Indigenous painter Emma Bamblett. The artwork will be used again as part of promotions for Proud Partnerships.
Journey – where we have been & where we are going – Emma Bamblett
A proud Wemba Wemba woman, born and raised in Echuca on the Murray River, she has found inspiration and motivation from the arts community in Melbourne as well as working in the Aboriginal child and family welfare sector. “Journey” represents coming together, journey and connection – all themes of the Reimagining Public Administration conference.
Most of Ms Bamblett’s artwork is deeply personal, representing the stories and struggles for vulnerable children, youth and families through whom she meets in her occupation.
Aaron McTaggart and Emma Bamblett
She said that the painting was a ‘representation of where we have been and where we are going’.
“You will see bright colours of red and yellow in the rivers, with continuous lines to represent the rivers which surround the area where the conference was held,”
“The footsteps in the top left corner represent the role of ANZSOG in providing leadership, support and guidance to those working in the public sector.
“The brown areas with the yellow hills represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the dots in the middle of the circles represent their skin colour and the red represents the earth, while the green area with the hills and grey circles represent Māori -the First Peoples of New Zealand.
“The hills signify the importance of land and country and the importance of connection.
“All the elements in this painting represent coming together, journey and connection. I believe these are elements which are representative of ANZSOG’s mission to support and provide leadership to the public sector and provide effective outcomes for our community.”