30th October 2002

50 000 hands in Redfern Park
Sea of Hands 5th Anniversary Celebration
Sat Nov 2, 2002

On November 2, 50,000 hands will be planted in Redfern Park in Sydney to celebrate 5 years since the Sea of Hands' first stunning appearance in Australia's political and social landscape.

Speaking from 12 noon to 2.30pm on November 2 will be Her Excellency, Prof Marie Bashir AC, Governor of NSW; the 'Father of Reconciliation', Pat Dodson; Tony Pooley Mayor of South Sydney City Council as well as up-and-coming leaders, Sylvie Ellsmore of ReconciliACTION (Youth Reconciliation Network) and Gregory Phillips (Trustee of National Indigenous Youth Movement).

The first Sea of Hands was held in October 1997. 70,000 coloured plastic hands, each one carrying one signature from a petition in support of native title and coexistence, were installed in front of Parliament House in Canberra.

Since 1997, 2½ million hands have been planted across Australia and around the world.

The November 2 event occurs against a backdrop of the Federal Government's failure to adequately respond to recommendations of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation's Final Report, leaving the reconciliation process effectively stalled.

"At this time in Australia's history, while the Government tries to bury reconciliation as a national priority, we acknowledge that the moral leadership has come from ordinary Australians concerned about reconciliation. Over 300,000 people have added their names to the call for justice - a people's movement which will continue to support the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples."

"On 2 Nov we will celebrate our achievements and reflect on the huge task ahead." Phil Glendenning, ANTaR National President.

With over 60% of the Indigenous population under the age of 25, the importance of young voices and action could not be more urgent. Mark Yettica-Paulson is a founder of the National Indigenous Youth Movement of Australia and executive of the Lingiari Foundation. He speaks strongly of the connection between the Sea of Hands and the future of Indigenous and non-indigenous relationships in our communities.

"The SOH is a living reminder of ordinary Australians' belief in a better future. It is a powerful symbol that reminds us that our starting point is not one of the gulf being too wide. Young Indigenous people need these symbols to believe that change is possible; that we do not walk alone toward a better relationship for Indigenous and non-indigenous people of this county."

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE:
Before 2 Nov: Phil Glendenning (ANTaR President); Mark Yettica-Paulson (Lingiari Foundation)
On 2 Nov: Patrick Dodson, Gregory Phillips and Sylvie Ellsmore.

Media contact: Dameeli Coates, (02) 9555 6138; or 0439 766 091. For more information see www.antar.org.au