‘Practising Law with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities: Empowerment, Identity and Culture’
On 20 March 2024, the joint Tarwirri and Victorian Women Lawyers (‘VWL’) event titled ‘Practising Law with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities: Empowerment, Identity and Culture’ presented an informative panel discussion by three incredible Aboriginal women in law; Her Honour Magistrate Rose Falla (Supervising Magistrate, Koori Court), Candice Jackson (Victorian Barrister) and Neane Carter (Solicitor).
The event commenced with a beautiful Acknowledgement of Country by Her Honour Magistrate Abigal Burchill followed by the panel discussion. Topics that arose during the panel discussion were regarding ‘how we can promote inclusion and understanding in the workplace’, including:
The need for mandatory cultural training not only at the workplace but commencing in school and continuing through tertiary education;
When to make an Acknowledgement of Country and how to deliver it in a meaningful way;
Awareness of ‘tokenism’ in the workplace;
The importance of understanding the true history of Australia and the impacts of colonisation;
Educating non-First Nations about the importance of asking questions and not being afraid to make mistakes or ask questions when genuinely wanting to understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, history, and cultures.
The event was sponsored by Allens and held in their Melbourne office. Foley's List Pty Ltd conducted the live stream video, which allowed people from other regions across the nation to attend, making the event inclusive.
The event was an opportunity for First Nations women in law to voice the challenges they face in the legal sector as well as provide their candid views regarding what changes ought to be made in respect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
A special thanks to Tekan Cochrane (Tarwirri Executive Officer) and Shivani Pillai (VWL Diversity and Inclusion Committee co-chair) who have dedicated themselves continuously over the years to bringing the event to fruition, with the assistance of Andrew Williams (Tarwirri President), Felicia Leong (VWL Diversity and Inclusion Committee co-chair) and Sonia Haidamous (VWL Committee Member) and Joanna Abraham (VWL President).
Photos captured by T J Garvie Photography.
