The Blank Page Summit team looks forward to seeing everyone on spring country at Billard Aboriginal Community on Monday 26 July 2010.

Stephen said today- “We’re pretty excited now that the Summit is all full and we’ve only got a few weeks to go.”

Thanks to everyone who’s put up their hand to join the Summit – get ready for a lovely time on spring country.

See you all in a few weeks!

Over the years Australia’s unique newspaper has always been there for our community.

This year the Koori Mail has kindly donated some special prizes and goodies for the Summit – thanks to the folks at Koori Mail for keeping us informed and showing their support.

L’Oreal Australia is part of a valued group of companies who have thrown their wholehearted support behind this year’s Blank Page Summit!

Senator Siewert will provide feedback about the Senate’s current Inquiry into Suicide in Australia. There has been considerable interest generated by this inquiry.

Senator Siewert is Chair of the Senate Community Affairs References Committee which is conducting the Inquiry.

In Senator Siewert’s First Speech to the Parliament on 11 August 2005, she said:

“We need to remember that we live in a community, not an economy, that our economy is one means of sustaining that community— an important part, definitely, but only one. It is one we need to get right, but it is not the be-all and end-all. Ultimately, what we all want is the opportunity to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. If instead of striving to be richer we could strive to be more equal, everyone’s wellbeing would improve and we would have healthier communities based on compassion, honesty, fairness, justice, respect and equality.” 

When Senator Siewert accepted the invitation to join the Summit, Stephen Victor Snr said: “We appreciate the confidence Senator Siewert is showing in us by coming on our country for a hard yarn. We can’t wait to meet her.”

There are just a handful of places to be confirmed and the Summit will be full.

Last minute registrations are on this week – don’t delay if you want to apply to join! You could just make it ……

We’ll be posting updates in coming weeks about who is joining the Summit and how it’s unfolding – stay in touch.

Matt Balara was there and here is his sketch of Mary’s TEDX talk-

From Flickr – posted with respect and acknowledgement of Matt Balara – thanks, Matt!

What Stephen didn’t know either was the amazing work ethic and drive of Carla Schwef, Brand Manager for Ross Cosmetics Pty Ltd, makers of Auscreen.

This is what Carla said when she confirmed Auscreen’s support for the work of  Billard Aboriginal Community-

“The team at Auscreen would like to thank you for reaching out to us regarding the Blank Page Summit Hard Yarn. We are very proud to be involved in such an event and to help ensure attendees are comfortable and protected from the hot Australian sun for a very important event. Congratulations on organising the event and all the best with the Summit – we hope some very positive things come out of it.”

Thank you Carla, Auscreen and the Ross family for making such a fantastic product and gesture!

Not only is Star Track Express a clever company. It’s also community-minded and ready to help wherever it can, whether it’s to get goods out to bushfire victims in Victoria’s darkest hours or help Billard Aboriginal Community with the Blank Page Summit Hard Yarn to ‘close the gap’ for Indigenous people.

A very big thanks to Rene, Kelly and the good folks at Star Track Express for giving us a hand - we appreciate it very much.