Uniting AgeWell has established the Walking Together working group to lead and build strong relationships and support between First Nations and Second Peoples (those not of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent) customers, staff and stakeholders.
The broad focus is to bring the work of reconciliation to be a living reality at Uniting AgeWell, in line with our values and the commitment of the Uniting Church to work with First Nations people towards reconciliation.
We will do this by developing culturally safe practices, education, processes and policies that will be reflected in our first Reconciliation Action Plan.
As an expression of the Uniting Church at work, Uniting AgeWell has a connection to the Covenant the Uniting Church entered into with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress - which was intended that together we may contribute to a more just church and nation.
Reconciliation action at Uniting AgeWell
Uniting AgeWell wishes to develop a workplace that is culturally safe and where First Nations staff will feel their culture, spirituality and connection to the land, is valued and understood. We want First Nations staff to be able to determine their own needs across all areas of decision-making as we make reconciliation a reality. We want to develop active relationships between First and Second Nations staff.
As much as we do this for staff, we also do this in recognition of all the First Nations People we serve in the communities of which Uniting AgeWell is a part.
Walking Together Working Group
The working group participated in a workshop facilitated by Alison Overeem and Ayla Williams, members of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), Lutruwita (Tasmania) to explore what we mean by reconciliation and what we want it to mean for Uniting AgeWell.
Having Alison and Ayla walking with Uniting AgeWell, helps develop stronger relationships that honour the covenant and keep it alive.
The Covenanting Painting
This painting tells a sacred Creation story of the Wagalak sisters and speaks particularly of the alliance of four Clan Nations and their responsibilities for the land and waters of their yirralka (estates). The painting also depicts the sacred grounds where ceremonies take place and in particular the Wukindi ceremony, to restore relationship when blood is spilt and bring reconciliation.
The painting is in itself an initiation for Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) members to stand with members of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) in their struggle for justice
This painting is featured in the foyers and entries to all Uniting AgeWell sites and services acknowledging the country upon which they provide services.
30th anniversary of the Covenant marked in 2024 with a re-commitment
The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) is made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Uniting Church
In 2024 the UAICC and the Uniting Church marked the 30th anniversary of acknowledging harm caused to First Nations people by the church, government and wider communities with a re-commitment to partner together to work towards healing and reconciliation.
Aboriginal artist Grace Williams shared two new artworks that were featured across resources and communications to mark these significant milestones. Grace is the Community and Cultural Resource Officer, Leprena - UAICC Tasmania. We thank Grace for sharing her creative talents and her deep connection to story, culture and Country.
National Reconciliation Week: 27 May - 3 June 2025
'Uniting AgeWell acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live, work and provide services. We pay respects to their Elders, past and present and emerging.
During this reconciliation week we are encouraging our staff, clients, residents, families and communities to learn about the traditional lands upon which we live, work and provide services.
Learn more here:
Victorian map of country and location of Uniting AgeWell sites and services
Tasmanian map of country and location of Uniting AgeWell sites and services
Celebrating NAIDOC Week: 6 - 13 July 2025
NAIDOC Week marks the first Day of Mourning and is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history, and peoples.
Uniting AgeWell invites staff, clients, residents, families and communities to begin conversations. This is an essential part of the listening, storytelling, and learning.
Let us open our hearts and minds as we seek to grow our understanding of what it means to walk together as first and second peoples in Uniting AgeWell and beyond.
Learn more about the Traditional Owners of the Land on which Uniting AgeWell's services operate at Victoria and Tasmania.
