Binnap Partners
In 1992 ‘Binnap Partners’ was formed to support, to be in solidarity with and to act under the guidance of the Coordinator of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Victoria (ACMV). It was modelled on the Kuri-ngai Partners, a non-Aboriginal support group for the New South Wales Aboriginal and Islander Catholic Council.
‘Binnap’ is from the Yarra Language, it is the name given by the Wurundjeri people to the Manna Gum. The small sugary pellets of dried sap that fell to the ground were enjoyed by Aboriginal People and early settlers. As the Binnap tree nurtured both black and white alike, the ACMV and its partner group chose it to symbolise the possibility of sharing and being nurtured by the same source.
The Binnap Partners’ symbol is that of two hands clasped around a leaf of the Manna Gum. Partnership is the term used to describe the relationship of the ACMV with non-Aboriginal co-workers and support groups.
Statement Of Purpose
The purpose of the Binnap Partners is:
- To support the aims and objectives of the ACMV.
- To develop among its members an awareness of Aboriginal issues.
- To take this awareness to the wider community.
- To assist the operation of the ACMV by raising funds that will allow the Ministry to extend its pastoral care to the Aboriginal Community and to call the wider Church Community to a response in justice.
- To develop among its members an awareness of Aboriginal issues.
The Binnap Partners are an incorporated body which meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 434 St Georges Rd, Thornbury 3071. People are always welcome to join the group. The meetings consist of an educational section and a business section.
For information and membership interest please call ACMV on 03 9401 6380 or email acmv@cam.org.au
NATSICC
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) is the peak advisory body to the Australian Catholic Bishops on issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics. The council was founded in 1992, and the Secretariat is based in Adelaide.
Each State and Territory nominates a representative via their local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministry who is also endorsed by the Bishop. The council meets monthly via teleconference and twice yearly on a face-to-face basis. NATSICC advises the Bishops Commission for relations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics.
NATSICC is a not-for-profit organization that is funded by the Catholic Church and Caritas Australia's First Nations program.
https://natsicc.org.au/index.html
NATSICC Acknowledgement Plaques
The first plaque endorsed by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for use in Catholic schools, parishes and organizations, the NATSICC Acknowledgment plaques are a bold statement of support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Acknowledgment Plaques
Opening the Doors Foundation (OTDF)
Helping open doors for First Nations students in Victoria.
OTDF is a First Nations community organisation responding to the call of First Nations families who want to make a choice to nurture educational opportunities for their children in non-government schools.
If you would like to know more about OTDF visit their website. https://www.openingthedoors.org.au/
FIRE Carrier Program
The FIRE Carrier Program (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) promotes respect, inclusion, and reconciliation for First Nations Peoples in Catholic schools.
The FIRE Carrier Project seeks to keep the Reconciliation flame alight in schools by
educating the wider community about Reconciliation, our shared history and cultures. In participating schools, a student FIRE Carrier is elected to promote Reconciliation in the school through the Covenant Planning Group. The students plan and execute significant events and changes in the school to promote understanding and inclusion.