After acknowledging the Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which the Convention was taking place, Mr Stephen referred to a traditional Torres Strait Island hand-woven mat made of pandanus leaves. It symbolised his understanding of reconciliation in the community. Mr Stephen believed that the mat also represented community.
Community is people and people are community.
Mr Stephen went on to talk about some of the steps taken within the Torres Shire towards reconciliation. He began with a brief account of local government administration in the Shire, starting from the time when a European settlement was established in 1864 and concluding when the Torres Shire Council was restored to elected council status in March 1991. It is now administered by a local government council comprising a mayor and seven councillors who reflect the diversity of culture within the Torres Shire and can identify with past wounds inflicted in the community. Unfortunately, at times it is easier to place service delivery as priority o ver the people for whom the services are provided. It is imperative that people remain the priority over services.