Reconciliation Week is an important time to reflect on both our past and the way forward. Today’s post is written by William Tilmouth, who is the chairperson with Children’s Ground (@ChildrensGround). Children’s Ground is led by First Nations people in Australia, and they work with whole communities to change the future for the next generation. They work across the five intersecting domains of learning, health, economic wellbeing, culture, and community towards a world where all children and families live in dignity and are free from economic poverty and inequity.

The Children’s Ground approach addresses the key economic, social and cultural determinants needed for lasting change to prevent complex disadvantage and trauma. Their approach is unique and radical because it has been designed and delivered by First Nations people, is based on decades of knowledge, expertise and international evidence, is a strength-based one, and celebrates First Culture and knowledge in parallel with Western practices. You can read more about their recent work here.

As an Aboriginal man I have lived through the most devastating policies of our nation and watched many of my own family members die and suffer from the lack of fundamental human rights and basic respect.

I have led key organisations over the past 20 years, attempting to work within a system that has been unable to secure the change we need.

I am watching my grandchildren live the consequences of the legacy of our history. I have an absolute resolve that radical change is needed and that Children’s Ground provides the model, approach and ability for that change to occur.

Our vision is not only for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but for all Australians.

Children’s Ground will deliver the very best to those who need it the most, and will secure the fundamental rights of the child, the family and the community, wherever intergenerational inequity pervades. Children’s Ground holds the rigour of an evidence-based outcomes approach, with the integrity of community led vision and knowledge.

We invite individuals, communities, Government, businesses, philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector to join us, as this is an ambition that requires a commitment from many. Together we can create lasting change. Children’s Ground is a blueprint for how you can invest in real opportunity for Aboriginal communities, rather than provide charity.

By celebrating and engaging with people’s aspiration and ability, and respecting their cultural, economic and social rights, we will create real community ownership and participation, real community empowerment and equity.

We are bringing together the wisdom of our knowledge systems that have been refined for over 60,000 years, with leading international practice to create a dynamic, exciting era of change.

We look forward to sharing with you our vision, our approach and a very real opportunity to redress inequity and economic poverty in Australia.

We hope that you will join us.

With respect,

William Tilmouth

Chairperson, Children’s Ground

William Tilmouth was born in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and is an Arrernte man.

A member of the stolen generations, William was taken to Croker Island where he lived and attended school with many other children sent there as a result of Government policy of that era.