Taking Black and White to Canberra
How lucky are we to have this vibrant, assiduous, interesting couple leading our nation from Government House, Canberra.
(from left) Black and White Stories board members Conor O’Bryan and Philippa O’Donnell with Her Excellency, Mrs Linda Hurley, and the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd). Their Excellencies were gracious, engaged, interesting and most welcoming. They took great interest in our work and even passed on several story ideas with contacts.
The simple act of sharing a story is such a powerful way to build trust, respect, and understanding. The work of Black and White, Deadly Australian Stories helps to engender pride and recognition in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and experiences.
Celebrating the First Nations stories that have been historically missing from our national conversation is crucial to promoting the unity and shared identity necessary to progress us on our road to reconciliation. Now more than ever we need brave collaboration, and people informing themselves on, and accepting the truths of, our shared history. Central to this is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples telling our own stories, controlling our own narrative, and sharing our pride in our histories, cultures, and identities.
I am happy to lend my support to Black and White, Deadly Australian stories, and look forward following all it achieves.
Karen Mundine Chief Executive Officer Reconciliation Australia
Reconciliation is a journey not a destination.
Can I congratulate all those involved in the production of Black and White, Deadly Australian stories. I particularly recognise Philippa O’Donnell for her vision and passion. I also recognise Vicki Clark as the Co-founder.
The focus on story telling is powerful and demonstrates real stories of reconciliation. Story telling contributes to the important undertaking of national truth telling. Truth is the basis of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australia going forward.
As the project says – It’s time to tell new stories.
Hon Linda Burney MP, Member for Barton, New South Wales
Philippa O’Donnell with Hon Linda Burney MP and Hon Warren Snowdon MP.
Senator Dodson was generous and interested in Black and White Stories, when he met board members, Philippa O’Donnell and Conor O’Bryan. Senator Dodson has magnificent art in his rooms, including this fabulous piece by Rover Thomas.
Much of the development work for Black and White is done in Northern Victoria, in the heart of the Federal seat for Mallee, held by Dr Anne Webster (left), which is where Philippa (right) and co-founder, Vicki Clark, currently live. Deeply steeped in not for profit work, Dr Webster is the founder and patron of Zoe Support which works with 13-25 year old pregnant girls and young mothers. She was very interested in Black and White Stories, and the work to preserve these positive stories for future generations.
A generous donation from Earthed Foundation has allowed us to complete our first documentary.
And who doesn’t love to pose for a photo where a large cheque is changing hands. Here, we are receiving a contribution from Swan Hill Community U Inc (facilitated by Bendigo Bank Swan Hill).