Our Reconciliation Story
In 2018, the Australian Childhood Foundation commissioned Amunda Gorey to paint this beautiful artwork, our Reconciliation Story. The original, or a digital reproduction is found in each of our offices Australia-wide.
Amunda Gorey is originally from a small community called Santa Theresa a couple of hours drive from Alice Springs. She now lives in Alice Springs with her three daughters. She comes from a family of artists and started painting professionally herself in 2002. Growing up on community, Amunda has tried her hand at many forms of art – drawing, batik, tye die, watercolours and oil before deciding that acrylic on canvas was her choice of expression.
‘There is always room for one more’
Here is Amunda’s description:
Everything and everyone is connected. We are connected through family, language, shared history and experiences. There is always a way that we can find connection if we take the time to look – no matter how small or big the connection may be.
We are all held by a shared set of beliefs and stories about the importance of relationships and belonging, of family, of children, of love and of hope. Our stories of family, of home and of country build the foundations of who we are and who we become. Everyone has their own story. The sharing of stories builds understanding, connection and meaning-making.
We hold a shared belief that children are important. They need to be seen, heard and held at the centre of families and communities, in relationships where there is plenty of love to go around and where there is always room for one more.
We need to make sure that no child gets lost, left behind or becomes invisible. Every child has a place. If one little dot was missing it would be noticed it would matter – it wouldn’t be right. Even in a sea of children we need to make sure we notice each and every child.
Sometimes we need to sit back and reflect for a while, to look at things from different angles or perspectives. This will allow us to see what is missing and what is needed. Together we must raise all children carefully and slowly, nurturing them and growing them to
be safe and strong.
Bridging Now to Next
The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) theme for 2025, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present, and future.
At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together—continuing the push forward, guided by the lessons of the past.
The theme artwork, created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, features native plants known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity. These symbols represent our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.
In line with this year’s theme, we also continue to support NAIDOC Week as an opportunity to learn from and respect First Nations Peoples’ knowledge systems, cultures, and connections to Country.
