There is no place for racism in Australia

Reconciliation is about building relationships of respect and having no tolerance policy towards all forms of racism. 

One of the key ways that we develop relationships of respect is through listening, speaking and treating each other with kindness and in ways that we ourselves would be happy to be treated. 

Racism can take many forms; offensive comments in person or via social media, jokes, name-calling, verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation and other forms of hurtful and prejudicial behaviour and language. Severe racism can even result in acts of physical abuse and violence.  

Racism can also be structural and systemic. That is, it can stop particular groups of people being able to access and enjoy the same rights, freedoms, services and activities as others on the basis of their race, ethnicity and or cultural heritage. 

Racism can prevent people from being able to participate in freely and equally in employment, education, social activities and can also disadvantage certain groups through policies, systems and practices that exclude people on the basis of race. 

Explore the resources below and have a conversation about the following questions with your classmates and teacher 

• How you act, behave, speak and listen so that racism stops with you?
• Why is building relationships of respect and trust and communities that are free from racism so important to reconciliation processes in Australia? 
• What can you do to promote kindness, respect and unity within your school, family and community?  

Resources and Focus Activities

Activity 1

Racism in Australia Today Primary and Secondary

This activity hosted by Narragunnawali, allows students to critically explore media representations of events or issues in Australia that have illuminated public sentiment around issues of racism, prejudice and discrimination. 

Activity 2

Invisible Discrimination Meets Visible Respect Primary and Secondary Primary and Secondary

This activity hosted by Narragunnawali, enables students to critically consider opportunities for confronting  ‘invisible’, covert racism with overt, visible demonstrations of respect.