JOSEPHITE ABORIGINAL PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Josephite Aboriginal Planning Committee met at Mary MacKillop Place from April 4 to April 6.  Members of group came from Queensland, Northern NSW, Victoria, South Australia and the Kimberley. 

The Aboriginal Planning Committee (with changing membership) has existed for 12 years now and consists of Josephite and Aboriginal people who represent a range of experience and wisdom.

The group, which reflects the diversity of place, culture and types of ministry that involve the Congregation, is appointed by the Congregational Leadership Team from nominations received.  It is a forum that, with respect to Aboriginal Ministry issues:

· provides information and advice to the Congregation;

· initiates action; and

· monitors, evaluates and develops policy.

During the weekend meeting some very moving stories of the recent Apology by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd were shared. 

Both Vicki Walker-Clark and Sherry Balcombe, Aboriginal women from the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Melbourne attended the convergence in Canberra on February 13 and shared both their moving stories and photos of this most significant event. 

The South Australian Province shared with the group a DVD that has been made in which two former members of the Committee, Alitja Rigney and Pilawuk White shared their story of the day as well.  What a great day in our history but also a day which called forth great commitment to work that still has to be done.

This meeting was one in which some membership changeover happened.  Firstly the group thanked Pat Malone (who has been the CLT person on the committee) for her wonderful contribution. 

Vicki Walker –Clark “brought” Sherry Balcombe to the meeting as Sherry will replace Vicki on the Committee.  Marianne Zeinstra from the Victorian Province has finished her time on the Committee and Nellie Versluys has taken her place.  The members of the committee were able to thank both Vicki and Marianne for their fabulous contributions and pray a blessing for their future journeys.  Nola Goodwin will also finish on the group as the Network Person – Nola now lives in Gibb River in the Kimberley and it is very difficult for her to get out of the place easily.  The group, in Nola’s absence expressed great appreciation for her leadership and the sheer hard work she has given to the group for many years now.

The group will meet again in August with more new people coming onto the committee.