I feel very privileged to hear the regular bites of wisdom on caring for country and caring for people from my family and friends who are First Nation Australians . 
 For this reason I wanted to share the importance of NAIDOC week for us all. Recognising I am writing this perspective from a white Australian immigrant from Liverpool England, but with the permission of my husband,  Michael,  to tell his part of the story. 
I hear many people with similar backgrounds to mine comment on why there are more Indigenous people identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders , often implying or stating it is to get financial benefits. I disagree. It is to secure the privilege of identity. This is the most important value for us  all.
When I moved to Australia at 6 from Liverpool I was not encouraged to hide my Liverpool  place of birth, in fact all through my life I have been encouraged to embrace my working class roots with pride. My Dad had a number plate from the 1970's to 2000's "POM" and was known as "John the POM". We can all belt out a rendition of "You Never Walk Alone" and "Ferry Across the Mersey" and  find going to Anfield really special. 
My husband Michael did not have this privilege of being encouraged to embrace his family connections to Budjalung and Yuin country. In fact because he was born  in 1962 his white mother feared her 8 children would be removed from her if they identified. I can only imagine what his Aboriginal grandmother who lived with them at the time must have felt.
It has been a journey for him to identify and it has nothing to do with financial benefits. To see the pride in our 4 year old granddaughters eyes on embracing her Aboriginal heritage shows him it has been worthwhile to be on this journey.
So what has supported him to be "Blak, Proud and Loud" , the theme of NAIDOC week? 
When he completed his Bachelor of Health Management at UNE in 1999 Pat O'Shane was the Chancellor. She was the first Aboriginal teacher in Queensland, the first to earn a law degree and the first to be the head of an Australian government department. Her role modelling and support across the UNE campus encouraged Michael to graduate with an Indigenous colours as well as the colours of his degree. Our daughter was 9 at the time and this helped her ask questions and explore a part of her family history that had remained hidden. 
Roll forward to her graduation as a Psychologist she embraced Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC)  UOW support to also graduate with an Indigenous sash. Michael and Kirsten  did not seek any other support except to embrace their identity. 
Our 4 year old granddaughter Evelyn has embraced the Acknowledgement of Country song that opens toddler story time at the Wollongong Council library time, and the discussions at Preschool about First Nations . 
It was with great pride Michael and Kirsten heard Evelyn asked if she could have an indigenous t-shirt and hat to wear for Diversity day at Preschool. Stipulating it had to be sparkly and pink. Thank goodness for the Cricut  designs we were able to meet her desire to embrace her identity at preschool! A few hours later she had her t-shirt made and thanks to WIC had a hat. Sorry Jaymee, once at preschool the hat got ditched for a unicorn headband! 
What a difference three generations make - the greatest value of all is about identity. Stop the misinformation spreading that being "Blak, Loud and Proud"  is about money. It is about family, community and country. All important factors in helping make Australia stronger and more resilient for us all. 

As I near completion of my PhD and reflect on my own professional experiences over the last three years I have a stronger belief that purpose led leadership is what  differentiates our own personal resilience and the sustainability of the organisations we work with.  However, it is more than the latest buzz word. We need to go back to reminding ourself what a purpose is . It is more than a statement that appears on a webpage or in a report. 
A true purpose helps us articulate why we exist. For a company it needs to be enduring, relate to what stakeholders would expect your company to contribute to society and be prosocial in nature. It is not a mission statement rebranded.  
Personally it helps us frame the career choices we make, the discretionary effort we contribute and the passion and commitment we feel when involved with an activity or initiative. I know for myself, I judge whether I have lived my purpose when I evaluate a career decision in three ways: 1) Did I contribute value 2) Did I learn something new  3) Did I respect and enjoy those I worked with. As an example, my recent role as the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Commissioner at the NSW Greater Cities Commission ticked all three boxes and was congruent with my personal purpose. 
My  PhD research of large listed companies in Australia highlights how firms can be differentiated not by what their purpose says but how real it feels for everyone who interacts with them. It shows up in the Board Charter on who the company  says the Board owes a responsibility, who the company identifies as stakeholders, how stakeholders are engaged.
A purpose raises expectations . Adam Smith,  the 18th century philosopher and economist reminds us in his "Theory of Moral Sentiments"  : Intent is not enough - action and impact is how you will be judged by those who connect with you. 
With the majority of value statements including the word "integrity" or its synonym , we must take a hard look at our actions and ask is our purpose symbolic or substantive. Are we doing what we say we will do. 

 

In 2019, before Covid-19 and life without social distancing , face masks and hand sanitiser,  I engaged with fellow mutual directors at the Customer Owned Banking Association  convention on the topic of the conscious consumer and values based companies. We all agreed that consumers were increasingly valuing companies and leaders who had a strong sense of purpose and created value for the customer. This has been reinforced more strongly in the past year as we navigate through the most significant global health, economic and social change in our lifetime. On the whole leaders adapted and companies worked very quickly to adapt to the new circumstances. What has become most apparent is we need to make sure we have at the front of our mind that employees need values based companies. It is our employees who have had to adjust so significantly to continue to deliver to customers. Many having to work from home, home school their children and deal with the challenges of family and friends geographically distanced in countries or states locked away from visiting or providing or receiving support. It is a time we have come to value how critical social connection is and the role our local community plays for our wellbeing. I hear statements from many about getting back to "business as usual once this is over" . We need to challenge ourselves about this paradigm.  Why do we believe this is first,  possible, and second advantageous! Expectations and capability has changed in a year . We need to recalibrate what do our customers and employees expect of us in a world that has economically, technologically  and socially changed . What have we learned and what are we now capable of?  If we don't do this we will lose the opportunity to stay relevant to our customers and employees and for business stop deliver to society stronger  long term value . To be competitive business needs to  create  value for shareholders and generations to come by  contributing to a healthier planet and  community. This is a time to build trust that business strategy is  driven by purpose. 

I am sitting in Austinmer, New South Wales feeling an incredible sadness over the events that unfolded yesterday in Christchurch. I  lived in NZ for close to 6 years  and still feel  a strong connection to many people and places. As many of us know NZ , and Christchurch in particular are very special in terms of sense of inclusion and belonging . I was lucky enough to benefit from this. The people of Christchurch open their arms, hearts and energy to so many whilst dealing personally with many challenges to rebuild a vibrant and strong city and community following the devastating earthquakes. There was no better reminder for me on what Christchurch stood for than the famous “Cardboard Cathedral” . An innovative church built after the Earthquakes so multi faith could worship together and safely. 
We focus on why it is important to consider climate change in ensuring a sustainable and resilient future. However we must never forget the social issues are so important . History has taught us what happens when we do not lead through changes to make sure people are included and feel a sense of belonging . Unfortunately yesterday was another moment in history that reinforces far too loudly the devastation when people do not value other human beings and their beliefs. 
Kia Kaha Christchurch 
​my thoughts are with you all

Sometimes when life gets so busy it is good to get away from it all. We need to remember  it doesn't need money,  an airflight or a long drive. Often we can lose ourselves in the history and learnings of our own area. This was our lesson today. The sun was shining and we wanted time to escape together. We drove 20 minutes to Helensburgh to start investigation of the abandoned railway tunnels of the 1880's. As we investigated the history we realised how hard the pioneering groups had it. We might think life is hard now but families had to move to a new environment and learn new skills , often living in tents, as the colony expanded south. The work often had to be done by hand and everyone faced so much uncertainty. Uncertainty and ambiguity is not new. These pioneering families and companies were trying to plan for what would occur. They couldn't imagine how the South Coast would grow, The railway tunnels didn't serve well. The gradient in the main tunnels couldn't cope with the heavier trains that would need to service the growing economy and population. After 40years the tunnels were abandoned. The tunnels were a great get away for us today. We needed  to see new things,  immerse ourselves in exercise and conversation. Reminding ourself that taking time out together is a precious gift and one that re energises us  and allows  us  to continue to give to others . Remember taking time out is a precious gift and you don't need to travel far to learn about our world 

A week of many lessons. Starting with the biggest challenge of my career. A global perspective of connection  and powerful debate as we face into long term thinking and accountability. Starting with an international conference of Financing A Resilient and Sustainable Economy. 
The weekend starts with  a rich Nan Tien East meets West ceremony and  valued family time. 
The survival of our world will require us all to build bridges between areas of knowledge, differences of opinion, to take time for our family and friends. In summary, take the time to care to what matters  .
An amazing start to the week as we brought together the United Nations Environment Programme Financial Initiative with Australian and NZ Banks,Investors, Not For  Profits,  Insurers and Governments. A solid exploration on how get the capital flows in the financial system supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. It is not about charity but about true shared value. Most of us in business really care about how we invest in long term environmental  and social value. We challenge ourselves every day how we can we make a difference.
I started my career as an Occupational Therapist, really thinking about what it takes to help people be aware, adapt and thrive.
In business we need to step back and be aware of how we connect with others and reflect on what we can do to bring the strength of our connections, knowledge and experience. 
Nan Tiens Bridge Ceremony is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved. 17 years of building a temple (the largest Buddhist in the Southern Hemisphere) and private funding ensured a bridge built between the temple and Buddhist University. We were reminded it was more than a physical construction it is about broader  connection and reminder of tolerance. It was the most inclusive , uplifting ceremony I have ever had the privilege of participating in. Opening with the Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony. Recognising the original owners of the land. Allowing for Hindus , Christians, Muslims, to speak and all  sides of  politics  it was an important reminder of communication, understanding and connection. 
Family time with my nephews, nieces, sisters reminds me about family connections and they are the most important connections of all. 

Happy Mothers Day to all the Mums. A big thank you to my Mum who has been there for me when it mattered most. Today my beautiful daughter reminded me that being a Mum is about being  there when it really counts. As working Mums we often feel anxious about the role we play.  Are we there enough. Kirsten reminded today that what really matters is how we understand the needs of our children no matter what the age. In her card she reminded me of a situation  6  years ago . Kirsten was studying in Australia and we were living in NZ. Being challenged by our own transition and stresses of supporting a country post Earthquake. Kirsten  had flown through her subjects but was really challenged by a subject called Metatheory. Her solution was to go and get as many books and articles as possible and she was overwhelmed. As we all would be   when  we  overthink any situation. We flew home for the weekend. I sat and went through a whole semester of work and then coached her. She passed! Today she reminded me what this meant to her. "You provide me the love and support and guidance that I need. Remember without your assistance love and support I would still be buried under a growing pile of books trying to get through meta theory. " She is now a Registered Psychologist helping families and children and happily married.  I am so proud of her. What she doesn't realise is how since the day she was conceived she has helped me get through a lot of tough stuff.  Being a Mum puts everything into perspective. Making choices. The choice to be there when it really matters to both of you. Of course I am so much richer by now knowing meta theory........Knowledge that is yet to come in handy! 

Following a busy year and a fun time celebrating Christmas with family and friends Michael and I  headed off to explore  Cambodia. What a wonderful experience. One we can say is really life changing. We explored the recent and ancient history of the country. A true reflection for us is how people who have experienced so much trauma through war, poverty and so much change can continue to smile and importantly,  trust. Their faith and Buddhist beliefs seems to be the basis of strong values. We felt very safe and this was a result of how we genuinely cared for by restaurant, hotel staff and impressively: the local tuk tuk drivers. Last year there continued to be so much debate about trust and why is it eroding across society.  My  trust of others strengthens when they deliver against what they will say they do and when they do so from less self interest but really caring about my needs. It is why my family bonds are so strong. We have very strong commitment to being their for each other and being relied upon. However, back to our holiday! The Cambodian Tuk Tuk driver really taught us  about trust even in difficult conditions. Many have had to come to the cities leaving children and wives  behind for them to earn money to provide for their family. Often they are self educated and without extended family . Remember many have lived through being a chid trough the Pol Pot Regime. Whilst on holidays two beautiful connections made us realise we can learn from people in all walks of life. Andy The Friendly Tuk Tuk Driver (described by his Facebook page and on TripAdvisor!) came to collect us within an hour of email contact with his recently cleaned tuk tuk and took us from Phnom Penh to the Silk Island Koh Dac. On the way he thought of places we might like to see and spent time explaining the history or cultural context. He was in his late 20's. He was putting his brother through university and supporting a wife and new baby. He saw his purpose  was to work to educate his family. It was obvious he loved what he did . He drove safely and was very engaging. Even buying a coconut for us to drink after a full day exploring. Wherever we went he could be relied upon to be where he said he would be, and to think of our needs rather than his own. Our second example was a little more confronting for us. Mr Dee in Siem Reap ferried us around to the Angkor Archeology Park for 2 days. At one point we returned to our Tuk Tuk to see Mr Dee reading a book on Hitler. He told us he loved history and reading and felt it important to understand what makes evil people do what they do. He then explained to us that he wasn't really sure of his real name or age as he was child when he was forced with his mother and sisters to march from their family home to Battambang. Where they then had to work in rice fields. His father had been taken away.  On the way they contracted Malaria and his mother and sisters died. He recovered but had the experience of being orphaned and put to hard labour. He then escaped with a few other orphans to the border near Thailand where they were cared for in a UN camp. Many of his friends were sent overseas but he was raised by a local woman . He spoke fondly of her. He now has two adult children of his own and loves sharing Siem Reap with his customers. He made sure we appreciated what we were exploring, even having a book that helped us every time he took us to a temple. It was important to him that  we could understand what we were seeing. We were paying for transport but he took it onto his self to deliver for us a much richer service . He took it on himself to  really look out for our needs and Mr Dee  helped us get so much more from our holiday. He provided water,wet towels and a real personal connection. He has every reason not to trust others after his life experience but he is quite the opposite. Trusting and investing in relationships with others. In this way making our holiday so much richer. In two days we quickly realised we could trust him unconditionally. He was always where he said he would be and was always on time and in addition thought of our every need. Thank you Andy and Mr Dee for helping us fall in love with your country and how,  despite conditions and the length of time you spend with someone you can invest and form  trusting relationships. 

I admire the Acknowledgement of Country we are now more routinely building into the opening of events here in Australia. I love it when it is a heartfelt acknowledgement and not a "script". Acknowledging the traditional owners of our land pays respect to those  who were the original custodians of the land - the most resilient race with over 60,000 years of continuous occupation of a country. We can learn a lot from their connection to country. It was something that we also valued in the 6 years we lived in  New Zealand. We learned our "mihi" - a way of describing our place, our river, our mountain and our ocean.
This year as we had a family break at  Lake Crackenback I was reminded that a sense of place and connection does not only relate to where you were born or live. It can be a place that emotionally connects you, your emotions, your family and friends to a landscape or a place.
Over 15 years ago we started to go to Lake Crackenback with our best friends and their daughters. Our girls all learned to ski together and we all were there to connect and support each other whatever was happening. Mostly it was love and laughter. As Kirsten and Matt became a couple  we had the opportunity to connect with who was to become our future son in law. When Michaels Mum died we went away to Lake Crackenback to grieve. Now as we take time to switch off and connect we go to Lake Crackenback with our newly married daughter and son in law. When you connect so deeply to a place you ease right in and connect more easily with each other. When you lose the connection to place you can become lost and alone. This is what we must remember. This is why we must be respectful and acknowledge the traditional owners of the land that we can enjoy because of their care and respect for it. 

As the world gets busier and more complex it can get more stressful as we navigate through our own life choices and support those of others who we love and care for. On a recent visit with family to Rainbow Bay in NSW I reflected on the role of Lifesavers. They watch over us making sure we don't get into trouble if we get in out of our depth, get caught in a rip or encounter sharks. Unless it is really dangerous they don't keep us out of the water. Instead they keep assessing the risk whilst letting  us enjoy the experience. It seems to me we can juggle a lot more stress and risk when we have our lifesavers around us. Who are they in your life? Have you people who will help you be brave,  go in the water but help you if you get in too deep? In the last month I have realised I am strong and brave because I have many friends and family who are my lifesavers. They literally save me from myself when I can't see the danger I am getting into by stretching myself too far or taking on too many of others responsibilities. I am really grateful that so many people care about me allowing me to care for others and try to help make a difference in our world. Our lifesavers might not always be as visible in red and yellow so look for them and once in a while thank them for the role they play for you