Truth-telling
Truth-telling is an opportunity to examine our history to achieve justice and healing. It is an important part of our reconciliation journey and commitment to an inclusive workplace.
About truth-telling
The NSW Department of Education has commenced a formal process to document its role and impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and educational outcomes in NSW. The need for truth-telling was identified through the consultation process that informed the development of the department’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.
Truth-telling research
The Purai Global Indigenous History Centre at the University of Newcastle commenced its research in late 2023. The first stage of the research consisted of an archival and literature review.
The university commenced the second stage of the research in June 2024, and this remains ongoing. The second stage includes undertaking oral history interviews and focus groups with community members across NSW to hear about stories and experiences from those with lived experiences of the education system.
The university will be commencing its third stage of the research in late August 2024, undertaking yarning circles with school students to understand aspirations for our future. The research will be finalised in December 2024.
Community consultations
Across March to May 2024, the department’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) team undertook the first round of community consultations across NSW to inform the department’s truth-telling process. Communities' perspectives on the research and how the department should acknowledge and respond to the research were heard and collated.
Second round
In late August 2024, the RAP team will be returning to communities to share what we heard, ensure we have correctly captured people’s perspectives, provide an update on their research and discuss the next steps.
| Location | Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deniliquin | Wednesday 28th August 2024 | 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Yarkuwa Indigenious Knowledge Centre 395 Hay Rd, Deniliquin |
| Ashmont | Thursday 29th August 2024 | 10:30am - 1:30pm | Ashmont Public School 17 Bardia St, Ashmont NSW 2650 |
| Collarenebri | Tuesday 3rd September 2024 | 11:30am - 2:30pm | Red Shed 29 Herbert St, Collarenebri |
| Walhallow | Wednesday 4th September 2024 | 10:00am - 1:00pm | Walhallow Health Post Walhallow |
| Dubbo | Monday 9th September 2024 | 11:30am - 2:30pm | Western Plains Cultural Centre 76 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo |
| Orange | Tuesday 10th September 2024 | 10:00am - 1:00pm | Hive Orange 25-27 McNamara Street, Orange |
| Nowra | Wednesday 11th September 2024 | 11:00am - 2:00pm | Shoalhaven Regional Gallery 12 Berry Street, Nowra |
| Whalan | Tuesday 24th September 2024 | 9:30am - 12:30pm | Kimberwalli 1 Mimika Ave, Whalan |
| Broken Hill | Thursday 26th September 2024 | 10:00am - 1:00pm | Ibis Style Conference Room 120 Argent St, Broken Hill |
| Goonellabah | Wednesday 23rd October 2024 | 10:00am - 1:00pm | Intercauld House 163 Invercauld Rd, Goonellabah |
| Port Macquarie | Thursday 24th October 2024 | 11:00am - 2:00pm | Port Macquarie Glasshouse 20-42 Clarence St, Port Macquarie |
| Kurri Kurri | Friday 25th October 2024 | 10:00pm - 1:00pm | The Centre @ Kurri Kurri 251 Lang Street, Kurri Kurri |
University of Newcastle Research
The Purai Global Indigenous History Centre at the University of Newcastle commenced their research in late 2023. The first stage of the research consisted of an archival and literature review.
In April 2024 the University commenced the second stage of their research. Research methods including community workshops, yarning circles and interviews will be conducted to capture stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The aim is to understand the following:
how the department’s past policies and practices impacted the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
current student experiences in schools and future aspirations.
experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents with a student in a government school.
Register your interest
If you are interested in participating in a community consultation workshop, you can register your interest by completing the register form.
Contact us
For further information or questions about the NSW Department of Education’s Truth-telling process, please contact rap@det.nsw.edu.au