In black & white

“I look forward to the success of this important work; to seeing it in our schools, in our libraries and to see its impact on the thoughts and processes of governments, their departments and other relevant organisations. The issues highlighted by the authors impact on the lives of all Australians; your contribution to a better road ahead for Australians All is most appreciated.” - Adam Giles, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. “This volume sets out to illuminate the diverse and at times diametrically opposed viewpoints - and to find the common ground that is prerequisite for effective solutions. Some of the essays raised my spirits. Others raised my ire. All engaged me and, together, made me reflect anew on the public policy of Indigenous Affairs.” - Peter Shergold, Chancellor of the University of Western Sydney. Why are so many Aboriginal Australians still disadvantaged? Why is so much potential still wasted? Why is the Aboriginal problem still intractable? Why can we not even agree on the causes, let alone ways forward? Why have billions on special programs had such little effect? Is it all bad news? How can we: realise the talents of all Australias Aboriginal citizens, eradicate disadvantage, grow Aboriginal success, and achieve at last the real potential of this country? In Black and White: Australians All at the Crossroads seeks to illuminate the issues through perspectives of concerned blackfellas and whitefellas, both, on root causes, how issues play out on the ground, and what needs to be done. It is the hope of the editors that experiences and ideas, from the community base to the heights of policy, may reveal the common ground that is sine-qua-non to working out real answers and practical programs that will make a difference. As the subtitles reference to our National Anthem suggests, all Australians - thats all of us must put an end to the wastage of Indigenous talent and the denial of the real Australia that has diminished our nation far too long. Aussies can do anything. Together we cant lose! About the Editors: Professor Rhonda Craven is Director, Centre for Positive Psychology and Education, University of Western Sydney, which is ranked 7th in the world and first in Australia for Educational Psychology. She is the editor of the best selling text Teaching Aboriginal Studies (1999, 2011), the National Project Co-ordinator of the highly successful Teaching the Teachers Indigenous Australian Studies Project of National Significance, and has served as an invited expert for the National Experts Closing the Gap Forum for the Menzies Foundation. Dr Anthony Dillon is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Positive Psychology and Education, University of Western Sydney. He has worked as a data analyst, analysing Aboriginal health datasets for ten years, and currently lectures on psychology, and Aboriginal health and well-being at the University of Western Sydney. He is often asked by various media for his views on Aboriginal affairs and has contributed to The Australian and the ABCs The Drum. Nigel Parbury is author of the acclaimed Survival: A History of Aboriginal Life in New South Wales (1986, 2005). He has worked in Aboriginal education for 25 years, for NSW AECG (Aboriginal Education Consultative Group) 1990-99, 2005-10, involved in: the schools reconciliation rock musical 1788: The Great South Land and, with Rhonda Craven, Teaching the Teachers: Indigenous Australian Studies Project of National Significance and the best-selling text Teaching Aboriginal Studies (1999, 2011). Now with the Centre for Positive Psychology and Education, University of Western Sydney, passionate about Aboriginal talents, dreaming what Australia can be.