Page 3506 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 12 September 2017
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and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, the Healing Foundation and other members of our Indigenous community to deliver this framework.
In closing, I would like to thank the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm advisory board, in particular its founding members, Aunty Agnes Shea and Uncle Fred Monaghan. I would also like to make special mention of the co-chair of the advisory board and founding member Aunty Roslyn Brown. It was a particular privilege to be present at the opening of the bush healing farm with Aunty Agnes and to also on the same day celebrate her birthday. These three individuals started with a vision many years ago and have driven this project from the beginning. It is true to say that without their leadership and determination we would not be here today with a Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm which is playing its part in helping to heal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
I again apologise that the government’s actions contributed to confusion during the planning phase and apologise directly to any members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community who felt misled as a result. I look forward to the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm evolving as a special and unique place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It certainly was a special occasion to be there at the opening. I thank Mr Steel, who came along to the opening as well. I present a copy of the statement:
Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm—Update on the progress and opening—Ministerial statement, 12 September 2017.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the paper.
MR STEEL (Murrumbidgee) (10.29): I too rise to speak on the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm. Our government is committed to providing better access to quality and culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. On 4 September I was pleased to have the privilege to attend the official opening of the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm in the Tidbinbilla Valley with the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. We were joined by members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, Ngunnawal elders, community leaders, members of the Torres Strait Islander community and representatives from across the Canberra community.
The morning was a special day for those in attendance because it represented the realisation of the vision of Canberra’s original custodians, the Ngunnawal people. The bush healing farm will provide a range of services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, with the emphasis placed on the important process of cultural healing.
The centre itself is nestled in the fantastic natural bushland of Tidbinbilla. The Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm’s design and location recognises the significant role that country plays in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT, and the centre will serve as a point of reconnection to country and Aboriginal culture, away from modern city life.
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