Commemorative Event at Old Parliament House
On Friday 12 March 2010, AIDA’s President, Associate Professor Peter O’Mara proudly welcomed 190 guests to mark the significant occasion of AIDA relocating its Secretariat to Old Parliament House (OPH) and said:
A national and historic institution which, for many Indigenous Australians, represents the seat of colonial power—a place where legislation was developed that continues to affect our people today.
Ms Matilda House and her family provided a moving Welcome to Country, including a traditional Smoking Ceremony with Mrs Isobel Coe. A sweet cloud of smoke drifted across the front of OPH, touching and welcoming each and every guest. It continued to make its way into the cracks and crevices of the building and surrounds, carrying with it song in language (by Mr Billy Tomkins) and the wonderful sound of the didgeridoo (by Mr Daniel Williams).
Mr Glen Sebasio, representing the Executive Committee for the ACT Torres Strait Islander Corporation provided further words of support:
As a cultural organisation we have always been inspired by the success of AIDA and the role they play in the greater community of Australia; needless to say you have our friendship and support.
The Hon Warren Snowdon MP, Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, stated in his welcome speech that:
As Australia moves into a significant era of health reform, Old Parliament House will be a fitting backdrop for AIDA’s important work to represent and support Indigenous medical students and doctors.
It was a memorable moment for AIDA and its members to have its three patrons, Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue, Dr Jimmy Little and Sir William Deane in attendance. Furthermore, special guests, Ngangkari (Mr Andy Tjilari, Mr Peter and Mr Toby Ginger) travelled down from Central Australia to attend the offi cial opening and performed a sacred cleansing ceremony within the AIDA Secretariat offices. They were accompanied by President Peter O’Mara.
An important part of this event included the launch of AIDA’s Health Impact Assessment of the Northern Territory Emergency Response Report. Ms Pat Anderson, co-author of the Ampe Akelyernemane Meke Mekarle “Little Children are Sacred” report, launched the report. Community members and research associates from the NT, flew down from the Northern Territory to attend in the launch. The full report can be viewed on AIDA’s website: http://www.aida.org.au/hia.aspx
A celebratory lunch, incorporating a menu of Indigenous foods, was enjoyed by guests within the “In focus” room of OPH, while Dr Jimmy Little played some of his all time classics, to the delight of everyone present. Meanwhile in the background, the Ngangkari continued to cleanse the building, removing any negative spirits with their aim to make it a “happy and peaceful place for AIDA to do its work”.