This Saturday, Australians will look back on 50 years since the remarkable 1967 referendum, which saw indigenous Australians finally granted with some basic rights such as the vote.
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Indeed, this reflection will come at another critical time in the acknowledgement of the aboriginal population by the remainder of Australian society, with some 300 indigenous leaders currently meeting at Uluru to discuss what constitutional recognition for first nations Australians might look like.
For many, the debate about what shape constitutional change would take has been broken down into two categories; that of the symbolic recognition within the big book, or the further, more substantial push which could result in something like a treaty.
These are certainly complex discussions, which if are to hold any true meaning must be led by the indigenous population themselves, as opposed to being thrust upon them by white society. While it’s fair to be weary of another conference in what has already been a drawn out process, the Uluru convention will help to ensure aboriginal voices are leading the debate.
However, what the debate over the nature of the referendum does prove is that in the last 50 years not enough has been done to meaningfully incorporate aboriginal history and heritage into our modern landscape.
While the Welcome to Country is often politely delivered prior to a public event, and leaders and dignitaries now diligently acknowledge the traditional owners of the land, this can seem more formality than sincerity without a more comprehensive effort to include aboriginal culture in shaping our towns and cities.
This was certainly Nathan McGuire’s impression when he moved from Perth to Trentham three years ago, finding little around to signify the town’s Dja Dja Wurrung heritage.
The giant mural which now lies on the former National Bank of Australasia building will no doubt draw plenty of curious eyeballs to Trentham, not least for the fact it was painted by an artist quickly gaining global notoriety.
But perhaps more importantly is the fact the work represents a modern acknowledgement of the region’s history which encourages conversation and a desire to learn. If white Australia is going to continue on its journey to understanding Australia’s indigenous past, then this genuine curiosity will be critical.
