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National Sorry DayMay 26 2013

National Sorry Day is a very significant day for Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and particularly for Stolen Generations survivors. The idea of holding a ‘Sorry Day’ was first mentioned as one of the 54 recommendations of the Bringing them home Report, which was tabled in Parliament on 26 May 1997. This report was the result of a two year National Inquiry into the forcible removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, communities and cultural identity. This removal and separation was carried out under Federal, State and Territory laws and policies from the 1800s to the 1970s.

The children who were removed are recognised today as the Stolen Generations.Almost every Aboriginal family (and some Torres Strait Islander families) today can identify the loss of family members due to the forcible removal policies. The children that were removed and separated from their families grew up without an understanding of traditional knowledge, culture and without a sense of connection to the land and country where they were born. This disconnection from their families, ancestors, communities and culture has had a lasting and negative effect on the wellbeing and identity of Stolen Generations members, and has had an intergenerational impact on their children and families. It is likely that these effects will continue into the future.

On 26 May 1998 the first ‘Sorry Day’ was held in Sydney. It is now commemorated across Australia, with many thousands of people participating in memorials and commemorative events, in honour of the Stolen Generations.

The word ‘sorry’ is used to express sorrow at the loss of a loved one by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, usually when that person passes away. The term ‘Sorry Business’ is used to describe the process of laying a loved one to rest.

It is important to understand that when using the word ‘sorry’ in the context of the Stolen Generations, the word represents the grief and loss experienced by the parents, families and communities of the children who were forcibly removed. Stolen Generations survivors themselves use the word ‘sorry’ when speaking of their loss as a result of their separation from their family, community, country and culture.

For Australians across the country, we use the word ‘sorry’ to show understanding and empathy for someone who has lost someone or something special. For example, ‘I’m sorry for your loss’.

When we meet to commemorate National Sorry Day, we do so by showing respect and remembrance in a similar way as when we meet on other days of historical significance. On National Sorry Day, we gather together to commemorate the Stolen Generations, their families and communities, celebrating their strength and survival.

The story of the Stolen Generations is a significant and important aspect of Australia’s history. By acknowledging our shared past we can begin the journey together to make a genuine and long lasting contribution toward the broader understanding of this history as we strive toward achieving healing and reconciliation in the wider community.

Morris sites acknowledged National Sorry Day with one minutes silence at their toolbox meetings. Our Perth and Brisbane Offices joined via video conference where a special guest speaker, Noongar Elder Kathleen Farrell attended the event in Perth. Kathleen Farrell is apart of the stolen generation and shared a short film about her life story with the two offices. It was a very emotional story that touched the hearts of all that attended.

National Reconciliation WeekMay 27 - June 3 2013

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is celebrated across Australia each year between 27 May and 3 June. The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey—the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. The week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort.

Pictured above: Karntama crew acknowledging National Sorry Day.

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Employee of the Month AwardIf you notice a workmate who is clearly demonstrating an outstanding commitment to Morris Core Values and going over and above the call of duty, why not nominate them for Employee of the Month? Ask your manager for a nomination form.

Who Cares for the Carer?“Whilst relaxing and watching sport within the BBQ area, chatting and eating our BBQ meal, I inadvertently choked on part of my dinner. After many attempts to dislodge this through trying to swallow, I was just able to squeak out “help”.Instantly, Clayton Matthews turned to me….stated “You alright”….which I shook my head and instantly started delivering back blows. After the third blow, the pressure dislodged the dinner in question and it was regurgitated. He said….”You all better now?” I responded… ”Thank you”. Clayton resumed to finish his dinner and never ushered another word even though I passed on my grateful thanks for possibly saving my life. Clayton has assisted me with a number of cases since the inception of the camps at Reedy Creek Hamilton Park and without his skills, communication, and willingness to assist when asked, the cases in question would have been more complicated. I hope that Clayton can be acknowledged appropriately for his actions and response beyond the call of duty.”

Simon Edwards Remote Intensive Care Paramedic

Congratulations to Clayton, who can be seen in the picture below receiving a $200 voucher and certificate for his quick thinking.

Left to Right: Scott Randall, Debra Briscoe, Peter Filshie, Clayton Matthews

Shave for a cureDyno Village, QLDKirsten Dale, our new client representative for Anglo Moranbah, organised a World’s Greatest Shave event at the village. Julie and Luke Marshall from the Leukaemia Foundation hosted the event and raised around $1700 from the evening. Morris Corporation donated two pigs on the spit and a barramundi BBQ which enticed residents to participate. Heavy rain dampened the night but not the enthusiasm of all that participated. There were some wild hair cuts and colours by the end of the night with some left wondering what happened. Wax strips were auctioned off and the brave participants who were plucked clean got prime seating laid up on a bed above the pool table.

Snake AlertDyno Village, QLDI saw this guy on the side of the road at Dyno so I thought I would help him cross the road safely without being run over. A nice black headed python.

Congratulations TroyLee Jarvis (Village Manager) Randalls Village, WATroy McNeil, who is our chef here at Randalls village, has been a regular entrant in the Rockingham weekly park run events. The 5km runs are held every Saturday. On Saturday May 25, Troy took out 1st place. Troy has placed second and thirds in the past, but with a dedicated training schedule and commitment to his passion for running Troy was thrilled to achieve first place.

We are very proud of you ... congratulations Troy!

WARNING: Do not EVER approach a snake in the wild

A manager’s work is never doneBuffel Park Village, QLDPictured above is Warren Langford (VM, Buffel Park) who can be seen elbow deep in dishes.

HSE AwardIf you notice a colleague who is clearly demonstrating an outstanding commitment to HSE. Nominate them for the monthly HSE Award. Ask your manager for a nomination form.

Girls can do ANYTHINGCollinsville Village, QLDTen girls were selected to participate in the ‘Girls Can Do Anything’ program. This program was a whole day program once per week for 7 weeks. The program focused on increasing self esteem and self worth, creating a positive body image,understanding and improving communication skills, fostering ambition and goal setting. Also included was education about sexual health and healthy relationships. Students also completed a First Aid Course, created a resume and received a Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate (RSA). The ‘Girls Can Do Anything’ program was facilitated by Heather Hancock (School Based Youth Health Nurse), Megan Mattingly (Relationships Australia), and Rae Maddern (CYC Collinsville).The program also included a session with a hairdresser. Graduation was held at the Collinsville Workers’ Club where the girls received their graduation certificates and other qualifications they had gained during the course.

Underground BarbersDyno Village, QLDUnderground Barbers Niki (above left) and Pete (above right) visited Dyno Village, where the wet mess was transformed into a temporary barbershop, allowing residents to make the most of their R&R by geting haircuts whilst on-site. This was a hit with the residents and here are some shots of their happy customers.

Farewell Bob & LawrenceBy Sue Jesse of Newlands Cleaning, QLDBob (Aka Poppy Smurf) commenced at Glenden Cleaning in December 2011 and staff were sad to see him go on 10th April . Prior to moving to Glenden Bob had worked for Morris in WA for 4 years at Christmas Creek. Bob’s team will miss him and hope he will return in the future as a relief manager.We say goodbye to another team member, Lawrence Mozie who is moving on to further his education. Good luck guys!

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CONTRIBUTE TO MORRISTIMESIf you would like to contribute to MORRISTIMES or have suggestions on how to make the publication better. Email lea@morriscorp.com.au with MORRISTIMES as the subject line.

RECOGNITION AWARDSHSE AwardMelissa Fowler (Utility) Windibr VillageWhilst returning from Windibri to Chinchilla early one evening, Melissa noticed that the ‘Give Way’ sign at the Wambo creek crossing had been turned around and was not visible to vehicles. The sign is an important indicator that the narrow bridge is ahead and that the traffic coming from town has the right of way.

Melissa stopped and moved off the road safely, she then proceeded to turn the sign around so it was noticeable to the coming traffic. Mellissa showed the following Health & Safety attributes:• Hazard Identification - noticing the turned sign.• Risk Assessment - assessing what the risks were to herself and others before trying to fix the hazard.• Hazard Rectifying - turning the sign around.

It highlighted one of the key concepts of a safety minded individual, in that you don’t just accept things or turn a blind eye to unsafe things.

Meet Phillip MartinNational Indigenous Coordinator

Where have you worked prior to Morris? Monadelphous Indigenous Mentor/Safety Advisor, Qantas Cabin Crew, Medicare Australia-Aboriginal Liasion Officer So far from what you have learnt and seen what do you enjoy most about working for Morris? Has been a great challenge thus far getting back into the corporate world. Have learnt to continue being myself and work towards reconciliation. What has been your career highlight to date? Winning the Qantas prestigious Spirit of Australia award for my efforts with NAIDOC events. Can you share any tips or challenges you’ve faced on your journey? Always be yourself and true to yourself. Keep an open mind, have some compassion and stand strong for what you believe in. What do you like to do in your spare time? I play a bit of piano, I write my own music and sing. I also play tennis. What’s the best advice you have received? Never change who you are. Finish this sentence, “I can’t live without .... ... my music.”

Finish this sentence, “My worst habit is ...... omg lol. Um, talking really fast. Lol. I think its because of my caffine hits :)” Name 5 people either dead or alive you would invite to dinner and why? Oprah Winfrey: Great humanitarian and we could talk global issues.Patti Labelle: Patti is one of my all time favourite singers, her octave range is flawless and she could give me some vocal advice.Nelson Madela: He is courageous and I would love to sit in his presence and hear his story.Yagan-Noongar Warrior of Perth 1800s: I would love to hear stories and what it was like in the Perth metro area before settlement first came.Shane Bitney Crone: Shane is a filmmaker, writer, speaker, and advocate for LGBT rights, one of the most inspirational people I have read about today. I would love to meet him and talk equal rights. If a movie was made about your life - what would it be called & who would play you? The Last Man Standing- Tyler Perry, Cuba Gooding Junior or the Rock.