LOCAL artist and highly respected elder Kylie Hill is a passionate advocate for reconciliation, using both her voice and her art to promote healing and unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-
Indigenous Australians.
To mark National Sorry Day last Monday and National Reconciliation Week, Ms Hill spoke with Local Ipswich News on what reconciliation meant to her.
“Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships – acknowledging the past and working towards a better future for all,” Ms Hill said.
She said reconciliation must be grounded in truth-telling and a willingness to confront historical injustices.
“It’s about understanding, respect, trust, and addressing historical injustices and ongoing inequalities,” she said.
“Recognising the historical treatment of the past – no, we are not blaming the people of today – it’s about acknowledging the facts.”
She spoke candidly about the need to recognise the impacts of colonisation and racist policies, including dispossession, violence and the Stolen Generations.
“Once this is acknowledged, then it’s about working together to build relationships … that will help strengthen the relationship and the healing process,” she said. “Healing brings about reconciliation.”
For Ms Hill, reconciliation is not only about recognition, but also about action and commitment.
“A healing journey, road to recovery together. Working together and restoring hope for a better future,” she said.
Art has become one of Ms Hill’s most powerful tools for sharing her message. Her paintings often depict themes of unity, healing, and the shared journey towards change.
“My paintings tell the stories of working together along our journey in life,” she said.
“Community connections and journey pathways represent how we stand together to make a difference to change.”
Ms Hill said her work reflected a personal mission to combat the racism she experienced growing up, and to promote a positive, hopeful narrative of reconciliation.
“Growing up in a society where I was deeply affected by racial discrimination, I make sure that I tell a powerful and positive story through my art – and it’s reconciliation at its absolute best.”
The theme for Reconciliation Week 2025 is Now More Than Ever – a call to action for all Australians to take reconciliation seriously and commit to it year-round.
“Reconciliation is not a symbolic gesture or a one-week observance,” Ms Hill said.
“It’s a continuous, collective effort that requires empathy, understanding and dedication. Now, more than ever, reconciliation is everyone’s business.”
