The University of Queensland will hold a public ceremony to mark the National Week of Prayer for Reconciliation on Wednesday, September 17.
Speakers will include UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Moree based Aboriginal Employment Strategy Ltd Cathy Duncan and Director and founder of Aboriginal Employment Strategy Ltd and Director of Reconciliation Australia Dick Estens.
The multi-faith prayer evening will commence with a singing group organised by Aunty Barbara Marnoch and a presentation by the Aibai Sagulau Buai Torres Strait Island Dancers. Prayers by various representatives of faith groups and a candle lighting ceremony will follow.
UQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (ATSIS) Unit Director Michael Williams said the seventh annual ceremony was part of the University’s activities to support reconciliation.
“We see it as an important event in the University’s calendar and one which we hope will continue to be celebrated as part of the University’s commitment to reconciliation.” Mr Williams said.
“The ATSIS Unit and the University’s Chaplaincy Services are collaborating to convene the event.”
The ceremony will be held in the natural amphitheatre between the University lakes and the Staff and Graduates Club between 5:30pm and 6:45pm.
People wishing to attend can contact Mary Ware at the ATSIS Unit by telephoning 07 3365 6714 or Reverend Peter Rama-Rau or Elizabeth Levick at UQ’s Chaplaincy Services telephone 07 3365 6439.
Media: For more information, contact Michael Williams (telephone 07 3365 6733, email: m.williams@atsis.uq.edu.au) or Chris Saxby at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2479, email: c.saxby@uq.edu.au).
