Monday, 7 March 2016
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today urged the region’s schools to register their interest in the Schools’ Reconciliation Challenge for 2016.
Mr Marshall said that this year, students in Years 5 to 9 would be encouraged to create artworks and short stories that reflect the 2016 theme: Always was, Always will be.
“The Schools’ Reconciliation Challenge is a platform for students to express their creativity and is an opportunity to have their voice heard on issues that are important and challenging to discuss,” Mr Marshall said.
“This year is the first time that students have the choice between two mediums; artworks and short stories.
“I know that there are talented young artists and story tellers throughout our region and I look forward to the works that will be created.”
Mr Marshall said the challenge aimed to use art and writing as vehicles to engage students in the reconciliation process, assist educators to teach their students about Indigenous issues in an informed, meaningful and culturally sensitive manner and to foster respectful relationships between schools and local Aboriginal communities.
NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Leslie Williams said the Schools’ Reconciliation Challenge is designed to invite discussion about reconciliation in Australia through art.
“I encourage all local school students in Years 5 to 9 to submit either an artwork or short story that they feel engages with their thoughts on reconciliation,” Mrs Williams said.
The competition will receive entries up until 10 June 2016.
Competition entry forms and further information can be found and downloaded at: www.nswreconciliation.org.au/schools-reconciliation-challenge/