Presentation of reconciliation awards for school essay and poster contest

19/11/97

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Kim Hames today applauded Western Australian students for their commitment to the reconciliation process between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.

Dr Hames was presenting awards to the finalists of the 1997 'Breaking Down the Barriers' Schools Essay and Poster Competition.

Year 3 Poynter Primary School student Melissa Clark won the Minister's reconciliation award for the best essay and Narrogin Senior High School year 10 student Simone Triat won the Minister's reconciliation award for the best poster.

"More than 1,000 students entered the competition this year and their portrayal of the vision of reconciliation was clear and concise," Dr Hames said.

'Breaking Down the Barriers' is open to all Western Australian school students from years 1 to 10.

"I am pleased to see the competition is being used by some schools as a vehicle to bring non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal students together in the classroom to talk, write and draw about the problems facing Aboriginal people as well as possible solutions," the Minister said.

"The feedback from schools has been outstanding and highlighted the important role competitions such as this play in dispelling myths and creating greater understanding and tolerance within the schoolyard and the community at large.

"For example, Binnu Primary School in Geraldton used 'Breaking Down the Barriers' to bring students and the local Aboriginal community together with good results."

Dr Hames said 45 schools entered the competition and he hoped even more would do so next year.

"While 'Breaking Down the Barriers' is only in its second year, the response has been outstanding," he said.

"It has combined well with the introduction of Aboriginal studies into primary and secondary school curricula.

"As a result, more and more students are learning about an ancient culture with an intricate history, heritage and lore.

"It is through these young ambassadors that society as a whole will come to better understand Aboriginal people."

Competition winners and finalists were:

Year 1-3 picture with story: Mitchell Littlefair, Year 3, Darlington Primary School; Kayla Farrell, Year 1, Waggrakine Primary School, Geraldton; Gemma Ellis, Year 3, Mel Maria Primary School.

Year 4-7 essays: Kyle Roberts, Year 6, Belmont Primary School; Geoffrey Langlois, Year 7, Saint Simon Peter Catholic Primary School; Sara Reid, Year 7, Mel Maria Catholic Primary School.

Year 8-10 essays: Susannah Clare John, Year 10, Presbyterian Ladies College; Wren Sainken, Year 10, St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls; Clarissa Nah, Year 10, St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls.

Year 4-7 posters: James Wundenberg, Year 6, Vasse Primary School; David Quinn, Year 6, Vasse Primary School; Edmond Tang, Year 6, Churchlands Primary School. Year 8-10 posters: Lindsey Marchant, year 10, St Hilda's Anglican School For Girls; Elizabeth Orchard, year 10, Narrogin Senior High School, Shannon Spark, Year 10, Narrogin Senior High School.

Media contact: Caroline Lacy 9424 7450