Community Conversation - Black Lives Matter - The Australian Context

This is a chance to gather together in a safe space where we can listen to one another, share respectful dialogue and be in presence of some well-known Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and prominent community members.

 Our three speakers are: Nicole Williams, Kiana Charlton and Phil Mairu  with the MC  - Uncle James Sandy.  

Uncle James Sandy—  is a Mununjali man and will facilitate the conversation. Uncle James grew up on the Southside of Brisbane in Inala yet has been living with his family up at Redcliff on the Northside for many years now. He worked with Education Queensland for over 35 years however is currently retired and enjoying this phase of life.  Uncle James was a strong supporter of Benarrawa’s Educators Learning circle and participates when he can.

Kiana Charlton is a proud Goenpul Goorie. “My bloodline connects me to Terrengeri/Tcharranggari (Stradbroke Island), Yagera Country and Kubi Kubi Country.   I'm a full-time teacher that teaches Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies from Prep-Year 12. I work across two schools; Brisbane School of Distance Education and Dunwich Primary School on Stradbroke Island. I'm passionate about providing opportunities for Teachers to authentically embed First Nation perspectives within their everyday practice. At the end of 2019, I graduated with a Masters of Indigenous Education from Macquarie University. With this, my vision is to help combine First Nation knowledge systems into the learning experiences of students through their educational journey. I try to embody this in the work I do on the ground with the students, and through the educational resources I write.”

“I believe, in order for any type of reconciliation to occur, it's fundamental we begin with truth telling, reciprocity and respect. These values need to be the foundation when developing a shared understanding of our Nation's history.  I look forward to working alongside supported and open-minded allies on this journey of healing. “

Phil Mairu  is a Torres Strait Island man, whose mother is from Badu Island, and father is from Koedal clan from Saibai Island and Seisia on Cape York Peninsula.  Before moving to Brisbane, Phil grew up in Townsville where he worked with Indigenous youth, with mentoring programs at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre as well as a Case Worker in the Youth Justice Services. Phil has worked in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and Employment sector, with strong involvement in community groups.

 In 2021 he was part of the Qld Coming of the Light 150th Anniversary celebrations and is currently the Torres Strait representative Member of the Qld Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dedicated Memorial Committee erecting a memorial in Anzac Square later this year.

Nicole Williams— resides in Brisbane but is originally from Cairns in Far North Queensland. Nicole’s cultural connections are to Kukudjungan Country, Ugar ( Stephen Island) in the Torres Strait and to Doomadgee/Burketown out west.  Nicole is passionate about education and her role in being an advocate for social justice issues. Much of  her training and experiences has been about creating an awareness of the structures that seek to keep First peoples in positions of powerlessness.  Nicole thinks it is vitally important to hear the voices of First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous peoples. Each of our voices tell individual stories and these stories are vital in ensuring a more honest and inclusive reflection of this shared history.

The Benarrawa Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Solidarity Group builds relationships with our First peoples, learning their histories and stories and supports them to raise awareness of their lives since British colonization. The aim is to keep the topics alive until injustices are addressed. The Elders and members of the Group also support The Educator’s Learning Circle with teachers from schools in south west Brisbane.