I wish to acknowledge the Kaurna People, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live and work, and I extend my deepest respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging. This land, and the waters that surround it, hold deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whose connection to this Country spans tens of thousands of years. Despite the enduring impacts of colonisation, their connection remains strong, and their knowledge and traditions continue to enrich this land.

Acknowledging the Traditional Custodians can sometimes feel uncomfortable. It asks us to confront the painful truths of history — truths that many would rather ignore. It asks us to reckon with the profound harm caused by dispossession, injustice, and the continued inequities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. For many, this discomfort stems from the weight of acknowledging that so much damage has been done, and yet, without this honesty, there can be no true healing.

In the field I work in, where trauma is at the core of much of the healing, truth-telling is vital. When we speak the truth — no matter how painful and uncomfortable it may be — we honour the experiences and stories of those who have been silenced or forgotten. Acknowledging these truths is not merely symbolic; it is the first step in fostering understanding, reconciliation, and ultimately healing. For healing to be genuine, we must confront what has been carried through generations — not just the pain, but the strength, resilience, and endurance that have survived despite it all.

This acknowledgment is not a formality that can be passed over. It is a commitment to respect, remembrance, and the ongoing journey toward justice. I recognise that healing, whether personal or collective, requires that we walk forward with open eyes and open hearts. And I am committed to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples with humility, openness, and respect in every step I take.