National Reconciliation Week (27 May — 3 June) honours two important milestone dates for Indigenous Australians — the 1967 referendum on 27 May and the Mabo decision on 3 June. 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the historic 1967 referendum which changed the Australian Constitution and allowed Indigenous Australians to be counted in the national census and to be governed by Federal laws.

Join respected Murri (Aboriginal) Elder Lesley Williams, to talk of her experience growing up in Cherbourg, as a young domestic worker and her research into the records to claim her rights.

Lesley Williams is best known for instigating the domestic and international Justice for Aboriginal Workers campaign. In 2002, this campaign resulted in the Queensland State Government delivering an historic reparation package of $55.4 million to all Indigenous workers who had their wages and savings controlled by past governments. In 2003, Lesley was awarded the Centenary Medal for her distinguished services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Lesley has co-produced and consulted on a number of documentary films and co-wrote Not Just Black and White: a conversation between a mother and daughter with Tammy Williams.

Light refreshments will be provided as part of this event.

Places are limited so please book your ticket to reserve your spot.

Need more information about this event? Please email us at info@archives.qld.gov.au.

We gratefully acknowledge the committee of the Ration Shed Museum, Cherbourg for approval to use the image for this event.