(Courtesy of Australia Day Council)
Our First Nations is one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world, spanning more than 65,000 years. Their story is of deep connection to land and culture, and welcome to many in our multi cultural nation.
Ambassadors speak in country NSW. Susanne Gervay OAM is one of the Ambassadors. She has been an ambassador for 15 years and has travelled across NSW from Wakool to Lightning Ridge. It is a privilege to speak in Tamworth and its regions this year. On the land of the Kamilaroi (14%), with many Australians born here as well as citizens from the Philippines, India, Vietnam, New Zealand, Nepal and some minorities. This is sheep and cattle country and breathtaking across Tamworth, Manilla and Barraba. This is Country Music land. Who doesn't love Slim Dusty. It's the largest and longest country music festival in the southern hemisphere. A non-gated event where thousands of visitors like Susanne, can soak up street performances and more.
Susanne loves country. She has spoken to so many heroes who have fought floods and fire. Bravery, again and again. Communities helping each other. So many volunteer for the SES, Rescue Services, Rural Fire brigades saving livestock, properties and lives. But now this region has even more. They stood up for all Australians. There is a story Susanne Gervay shares about Nathan Cohen. Born 1842, Nathan travelled to Tamworth via Newcastle in a two-wheeled cart drawn by two sweating horses who jolted over the stony Peel River, up the north bank eventually reaching Tamworth. The cart was the first to ever come here. It took three days to travel the one hundred and eighty-mile journey. People gathered to cheer outside the store of Cohen & Levy. It was also carrying the mail.
Nathan made home here. In 1868, he opened his own business as an auctioneer and estate agent. By 1870 he established a soap works, was foundation director of the Tamworth Permanent Mutual Benefit Building Society and was an active office-bearer for the Tamworth Hospital. He associated with every organisation which worked for the benefit of Tamworth and its citizens. The Tamworth Municipal Council was formed in 1876, and Nathan was an inaugural member of the first Council, becoming mayor in 1882 and 1883. Nathan also served as President of the Tamworth Cricket Club, and trustee of the Jockey Club. When Nathan passed away at 68, on the day of his funeral, life stopped, and all shops closed in his honour. Nathan was a great leader and he embraced his country and life here. In return, Tamworth embraced him. He was Jewish.
The incredible people of the Tamworth region were shocked by the Bondi Beach terrorist massacre. They united in unity, grief, and support of Australians. Community leaders called for solidarity. Tamworth region joined NSW and Australia in national mourning supporting Jewish communities and everyone one of us.
We must stand together. Martin Niemöller a German Lutheran pastor and theologian who was anti-Communist, anti-semite and supported Adolf Hitler. But when Hitler rose to power he saw Hitler's evil. He preached against Nazism, and was interred in a concentration camp. Liberated by the allies, he continue to preach for penance and reconciliation by the German people. He writes:-
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
The country people of Tamworth pledged their allegiance to Australia's democratic multi-cultural nation irrespective of faith, race, gender.
At the memorial service at Bondi Beach NSW Premier Chris Mimms' said "The thousands who jumped on a surfboard last Friday and paddled past the breakers to show solidarity to this community. The hundreds of first responders, including the police, the paramedics, Surf Life Savers who ran straight into danger to protect our community. The 40,000 people who've given blood as an act of public service, the flowers at the Pavilion, the red and yellow Surf Life Saving army. The candles, the tears – all acts large and small …" Susanne's granddaughter placed a stone at the memorial.
History shows us that antisemitism builds, starting with a phrase or a chant, then migrating to the air waves, then social media today. Then graffiti on Jewish places of worship and homes, burning child care centres, armed guards safeguarding children in Jewish schools, then marches against Jewish people, arson and now murder.
Racism, misogyny, antisemitism, domestic violence are dark parts of community. Susanne Gervay challenges prejudices and through her books and speaking, she works towards justice. She writes in particular for youth on issues from bullying, disability, racism, feminism, to consent. Inspired by her parents who fled terrorism to find hope in Australia, she writes for her country. Now Australia faces the huge battle of antisemitism. Starting with legislation against hate speech and a Royal Commission, Australia is on the great challenge to 'love your neighbour'.
Susanne Gervay OAM
Awarded Lifetime Social Justice Literature Award, Order of Australia, nominee for Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, you'll find Susanne in Istanbul speaking on NO bullying; advocating for UN Vision sight campaign with The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses (Vision Australia). Susanne's loved books include I Am Jack books (bullying); Butterflies (disability), Shadows of Olive Trees (feminism YA); picture books Elephants Have Wings (Harmony Day), Heroes of the Secret Underground empowering kids to become heroes. The Edge of Limits addresses consent. Honoured to be an Australia Day Ambassador. https://sgervay.com
