MEDIA RELEASE

30 November 2000
For immediate distribution

Victoria's peak youth organisation calls for young people and the youth sector to Walk for Reconciliation this Sunday

Reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians is essential for the well being of young people.

Janet Jukes Executive Officer for the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria Inc. (YACVic) said today, "the Victorian Youth Sector is committed to the process of reconciliation. We are proud to be a part of this historic walk".

Ms Juke said that "cultural differences and rights need to be recognised and accepted, and positive education on reconciliation needs to be provided at early stages of schooling before racist attitudes or beliefs have been established".

Ms Jukes also said that, "the Youth Affairs Council supports the provision of culturally relevant bilingual education for indigenous young Victorians. This is in line with the recently released report Children's Right's Equal Rights by the International Save the Children Fund which recommends that increased expenditure on education for indigenous children is vital to improving disparities which exist in schooling retention rates."

For more information contact YACVic Executive Officer, Janet Jukes 0411 484 428