Representing Nature, Joining Hands

I'd like to share the speech I made on behalf of BIEPA at the Changing the Narrative event at Bribie Kindy today, 26th January...

I acknowledge the Elders here today, and thank them for the honour of being allowed to speak in front of you all. My name is Richard Ogden, and I’m privileged to be the President of BIEPA, a partner in today’s important proceedings.

The value of today is that it is shared by every single member of our community. That in the gracious welcome to country from Uncle Phil, we have been invited to be here together to recognise the reality of our past, to own our responsibility, and to realise the opportunity of the future.

BIEPA is doing its best to put Bribie’s nature first. We see clearly that without connection to country, our roots are not deep. But that by walking together with our bare feet firmly on this bare earth, we are daring to hope that the world can heal - that our leaders and decision-makers will see that the natural world is not something to dominate, but something to respect and live in harmony with. This can only be achieved with the central leadership of our sisters and brothers and most importantly of our Elders.

This day is all we have, the best and only chance to acknowledge ourselves and each other, our place in nature and in history. To tell the truth, to hope as we walk together that our honesty nourishes our entire community, leaving nobody behind.

To truly value our present, our circumstances and the fortune that brings us together here today, we must be clear about where we’ve come from. To thank those people who were here for aeons before us and to honour their journey, their discoveries and their wisdom by embracing each other white, black and of every identity, with respect and care. 

Over years this event has become a cornerstone of our calendar, demonstrating loud and clear to our entire community how things can be better.

You are the inspiration for this. Every person here, our friends and family throughout the region.  Only by really trusting each other, which means both earning and giving trust, can we all move forward free from the dark past. This trust is only possible if we are truthful. All of us, working together with care and courage and respect can overcome the dark shadows that threaten the peace and happiness of our community. We must trust ourselves to do our best, and by listening to and respecting the ancient traditions of our first people, we can help Australia become whole.

Thank you.