On the 27th of May 1967, a referendum was held. The amendments were to address two sections of the Constitution which discriminated against Aboriginal people. The vote was overwhelmingly in favour of amending the Constitution.
On the 3rd of June 1992, the High Court of Australia recognised that a group of Torres Strait Islanders, led by Eddie Mabo, held ownership of Mer (Murray Island). In acknowledging the traditional rights of the Meriam people to their land, the court also held that native title existed for all Indigenous people.
These dates are not that long ago, and they are a great reminder that we all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation.
In 2022, as part of SOCO’s contribution towards reconciliation, SOCO embarked on a program to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (IDF), a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to improve literacy outcomes in remote Australia by gifting and publishing books written in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, including early literacy learning.
In addition, SOCO team added an Acknowledgement of Country to the website to show respect for Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.
This National Reconciliation Week (NRW), though relatively new, SOCO has taken initiatives to include a standardised reading into the beginning of SOCO meetings, speeches and events that acknowledges the traditional custodians of Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community.
SOCO CEO Simon Forth said: “We are always looking for opportunities to strengthen relationships and National Reconciliation Week is an ideal time to look at how we are playing our part with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and how we can contribute to a better future for all.”
For more information about our contribution to the indigenous community, please contact us or visit soco.com.au/corporate-social-responsibility
