There continues to be discussion around Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country ceremonies and their purpose. Some have described them as divisive but I think of it as uniting us and acknowledging that we are all living on sacred land that has been cared for by others before we came.

All of us, except for First Nations people, come from other cultures, and usually honour the gifts those other cultures have left with us.

I was born on Barngarla country, in Whyalla, a fifth generation Australian, of Irish heritage. I moved to Kaurna country in Adelaide, then Ngarrindjeri country in Murray Bridge, where I stayed for 40 years, and now live on Peramangk country in Mount Barker.

It is not unusual to acknowledge the historical roots of those countries that have been colonised by other nations. Britain, which colonised Australia, is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, all of whom have their own parliaments or assemblies, maintain their own languages and have representatives in the British parliament (their own voice to parliament). The British flag is made up of the crosses representing England (St George) Scotland (St Andrew) and Ireland (St Patrick). Wales, unfortunately missed out, but the Welsh Dragon is on the British Coat of Arms.

I am proud of my Irish heritage, of being Australian, and want to honour the heritage that the First Nations People offer us in the culture, heritage, knowledge and management of this land they have been part of for more than 60,000 years.

May we continue to acknowledge that gift sincerely and with gratitude.

Margaret Daly
Murray Bridge