We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Elders, Ancestors and leaders of the Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands ILBIJERRI Theatre Company is based.
We extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, recognising their resilience and ongoing connection to land, water and culture, despite ongoing colonial interruption and genocide.
Always was, always will be, sacred Indigenous land.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be advised that this website may contain images of deceased persons.
Rachael receives Order of Australia Award
Member of the Order of Australia award
BIGGEST CONGRATULATIONS to ILBIJERRI Artistic Director RACHAEL MAZA on receiving a Member of the Order of Australia award for significant service to the performing arts as an Artistic Director!
Rachael’s response to the honour:
“It is with the greatest gratitude that I receive the Order of Australia Member Award. Like many of our mob – we do the work we do because we must – as the First Peoples of this country, we have a responsibility carry on the work that has been done before us by the many who fought for the betterment of our people, and its because of them that we are able to enjoy the lives we do have today. But we are still such a long way from where we need to be: I share the dream of a Nation that celebrates and honours its First Peoples and their cultures as unique and valued; a country that our kids can walk with pride and pursue their dreams to be whatever they want to be. So to be acknowledged for this work is a great honour and one which I deeply appreciate, as it fuels me to keep going.”
Special congratulations also to fellow award winner WESLEY ENOCH, who has been a great champion of ILBIJERRI’s work, over many years, and in his role as Artistic Director of Sydney Festival.
And big congratulations to all other First Nations recipients of the awards!
Image: James Henry
