Meaningful Conversations about Reconciliation

June 2, 2021

Each month, the TDi team gather for what we call ‘Meaningful Conversations’. This is a sacred time we set aside to connect with one another, reflect and converse on the bigger questions or topics we are currently engaged with. It’s usually enjoyed with some wine and cheese.

This month’s Meaningful Conversation coincided with the start of National Reconciliation Week so we took the opportunity to explore the notion of reconciliation, and particularly this year’s theme which invites brave action.

One of the biggest things we all shared is that we want to be authentic in how we approach reconciliation and in what we say and do. We’ve taken our time with our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) as we have wanted our team to be engaged in a genuine journey, navigating through all the complexity and difficulties of the process.
It’s forced us to think deeply and to personally engage what it means to be reconciled. We never want it to feel tokenistic or like we are simply going through the motions.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have had to be brave for a long time.

What does it mean for us to be brave? We think the starting point is simply showing up and sitting at the table with an open mind and open heart. It’s about acknowledging what’s happened now and being vulnerable to the facts that our ancestors, even as recent as our parents and grandparents were responsible for so much injustice and trauma. And that perhaps we have contributed to the ongoing effects of that.

But we also wrestled with how to reconcile something that we were not directly involved in. We felt that it’s easier (pride and arrogance aside) when you have personally done wrong, to name what you’re sorry about, seek forgiveness and make an effort to change. But to name something that is historical, that actually belongs to generations that have gone before us? This requires a whole different level of engagement and understanding.

We certainly didn’t resolve everything in that conversation. In fact, we realised that some of us are further down the road on this than others. But we stepped in, and we will continue to listen, to acknowledge and to work towards impactful action.

Spread the love

Inner Development key to achieve sustainable business growth: Our InsideOut Model

By Anna Moegerlein, Deputy CEO   In the realm of economic development, a critical realization has emerged—the need for a holistic approach that integrates Inner Development with Enterprise Development. We’ve spent years testing and refining our approach to...

Building Resilient Food Systems: Future Healthy Food Hubs

In 2022 we began a project in partnership with VicHealth and STREAT to provide business support to seven regional food hubs across Victoria. Running until 2024, the program aims to ensure the long-term financial viability and sustainability of the food hubs, thereby...

Collaborative Strategy Development for Sustainable NFPs: 5 Minutes with Brigid Canny, YLab

Learn how YLab collaborated with TDi to develop its new strategic plan, gaining clarity and confidence in its business model. Brigid Canny, Executive Director of YLab, highlights TDi’s flexible approach, coaching, and relationship-building in this 5-minute interview, providing insight into how TDi helps NFPs achieve their mission.

International Development: 3 Solutions for a New Approach to Capacity Building

TDi associate Kate Wilson examines the flaws in traditional international development strategies, and offers a new approach to capacity building with three powerful solutions.

International Women’s Day 2023: Driving Economic Empowerment for PNG Women through Digital Accessibility and Innovation

Learn how a comprehensive Inner Development coaching program with digital accessibility helped overcome unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in PNG and drive economic empowerment, especially during the pandemic.

Acknowledging Country: A new way to connect mindfully with an important practice

We recently engaged YARN Australia for a series of team workshops on storytelling, focussed on creating relationships and intentional connections between First Nations Australians and settlers. We invite you into our world as we share a practice from these workshops, and gratefully acknowledge the land we call home.

Kylie-Lee Bradford: Forging New Paths for First Nations Business

We recently welcomed Kylie to the TDi team. Kylie brings a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship as well as rich heritage and story from her Kakadu roots. Kylie is passionate about opening up opportunities for First Nations business to support and give back to...

Don’t Underestimate the Impact of Finance

by Isaac Jeffries, Senior Consultant     I recently had coffee with a university student, who is passionate about social impact but unsure about how to get a job in the industry. She’s studying maths and economics, and surprised me with this pearler of a...

Why we’ve switched to Bank Australia

  by Anthea Smits, CEO     There's been excitement around TDi this month – we are now officially a customer with Bank Australia! Why the change? When I first started to think about impact investing many years ago, a dear friend and mentor challenged me to...

9 Mindsets of my Favourite Difference Makers

TDi Senior Consultant Isaac Jeffries shares the philosophies and habits that are the hallmarks of his favourite difference-makers.

This is a concrete list of practices and mindsets for working in community, and maintaining connection to people without burning out or burning others.