Visionaries of change

The deplorable state of Indigenous existence since invasion has long been attempted to be addressed by our people. Calls for justice and equity are not just contemporary developments. Rather the roots of such calls are steeped in Australia's 'black' history. In this paper I would like to honour the achievements of my people, the people who were visionaries of social, economical and political change. The actions of these people spoke to shape a future and forged the basis of the many positive reforms we are experiencing today. It was visionaries who first spoke out and who first lobbied to initiate new ways of bringing both attention and results to our struggle. They embarked on the ongoing journey to educate the entire population of non-Indigenous Australians and to pass on their knowledge and ideals to subsequent generations to continue the struggle. It is these past visionaries we can thank for the progress made to date and the continued vision of social justice and equity for all Australians. In this paper, I will highlight the achievements of individuals and organisations which have shaped today's Indigenous society; and the implications of their legacy for the future.