From Unley Allies:

History Festival Event: Decisions that make a Difference

Over 120 people were welcomed to country by Allen Edwards on 18 May at Unley Uniting Church.

Stuart Rintoul, Lowitja O’Donoghue’s authorised biographer, captivated everyone for an hour with personal accounts of the life of Lowitja O’Donoghue. After refreshments, a panel comprising Stuart Rintoul, Allen Edwards, and Michael Court shared key decisions in their lives. Michael shared key decisions in the formation of the Department for Community Welfare and its responsibilities for Aboriginal Affairs.

Stuart wove a wonderful story about key decisions that he made as biographer and key decisions Lowitja made as a national First Nations woman and leader.

Quotes from Stuart Rintoul included:

One of my life-changing decisions was to open my heart and open my eyes to Aboriginal people.

I decided that doing nothing is not an adequate response.

 

As Charles Perkins once said, “I believe that Australians have a deep love for this country.  When Australians eventually embrace First Nations people, then our nation will have a soul.“

The event was recorded courtesy of Tim Lee and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnWmDnsLVCA&t=2s