Sunday, 9 August 2015

Number 37

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Hi all, 

I am emailing you to ask if you would like to participate in an exercise that provides you with an opportunity to feel apart of a movement of change. 
Recently I emailed a neighbourhood email group I am a part of to express my frustration about the public debate occurring regarding race, culture and living well together. 

As an Aboriginal mother raising two Aboriginal children I have been having hard conversations with my children about life, racism and living in Australia as urban Aboriginal people 

It is hard for teenagers to reconcile the polarisation of love and hate and find a place to belong. 

So I told all of my neighbours that  
on Friday 7th August  this week I am going to place the number 37 on our gate and I am going to leave it there for a week. This is Adam Goode's number. The symbolism is about the debate not the man. 

I explained that whilst this is a big ask, I need their help to tell my children that they are safe and that they need to walk believing that they, and their culture is welcome. 

I asked them to join me in placing the number 37 on their gate or fence explaining I would be very grateful. My intention is to walk with my children around our neighbourhood and show them  that there are others just like them..... Who want a better country.  Aboriginal and non aboriginal living next door to each other. 

The response has been extraordinary.  Over 200 people will place the number 37 on their house on Friday for a week. 

I am inviting you all to do the same. 

On Friday 7th August you are invited to place the number 37 on your home as a statement to my children and your families about a world you want to live in. 

I would be very grateful if you photographed your number and sent it to me.  I want to flood the hearts of my children.

(photos can be emailed to me care of:  mira_ellul@yahoo.com)

Thank you for your time.

Amanda Watkinson 

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