Acknowledgement of Country

The name ‘Molonglo’ derives from the Ngunnawal clan known as the ‘Moolingoolah’ meaning ‘the sound of thunder’. The Molonglo River is also known by the Ngunnawal name ‘Yealambidgee’ meaning chain of waterholes. Ngunnawal ancestors of this land had a profound connection to the river corridor, which was an important travelling route and source of food and water for local Aboriginal tribes. (Source: ACT Government signage at Molonglo River Reserve) 

As we look upon the hills, valleys and rivers, we see the love poured out upon this Land and Water by those who have cared for them since time beyond measure.  We honour those who have gone before and those who are yet to come.  May we be mindful of the calling God places on humanity to care for Creation.  May we take the lead from the Ngunnawal People, whose stories are entwined with the stewarding of this place. May we learn from them and walk with them. 

From the preamble to the Constitution of the Uniting Church in Australia:

We acknowledge that through this Land and Water, God nurtured and sustained the First Peoples of this country, the Aboriginal and Islander peoples.

We acknowledge that the First Peoples had already encountered the Creator God before the arrival of the colonisers; the Spirit was already in the land, revealing God to the people through law, custom and ceremony.

We acknowledge that the same love and grace that was finally and fully revealed in Jesus Christ sustained the First Peoples and gave them particular insights into God's ways; and so we rejoice in the reconciling purposes of God found in the good news about Jesus Christ.