1,000 VOICES FOR RECONCILIATION
On May 30, 2025, the Great Hall of Parliament House in Canberra swelled with the harmonious voices of 1,000 singers from across Australia, united in a powerful performance for the “1,000 Voices for Reconciliation - A Yarning in Song”. This landmark gathering was held during National Reconciliation Week.
Conducted and led by Ms OJ Rushton director of the OZY youth choir, it was a profound tribute to truth-telling, remembrance, and unity, featuring the emotive “Anthem of the Desert Pea”. This ballad was written and composed by OJ Rushton and Hazel Davies reflecting on the Frontier Wars and the journey towards healing.
Unearth-Ed was honoured to support this extraordinary event by facilitating the travel of students to Canberra. Our consultant, Tracey Scanlan, worked closely with Hazel to coordinate logistics and ensure students from various regions could attend. This collaboration made it possible for the students to experience both a meaningful educational tour of Canberra and take part in the powerful performance at Parliament House.
Commemorative Florist and teacher Hazel Davies is the founder of Making Peasce, a volunteer not-for-profit movement. She has dedicated ten years to understanding the story of the desert pea, a symbol of remembrance for Indigenous Australians akin to the Flanders poppy. Hazel has worked alongside the Arrernte people and others to bring authenticity and depth to the event.
The event itself was more than a musical performance; attended by a number of VIPs including the Governor-General of Australia and the Ambassador of the UAE, it was a convergence of stories, cultures, and generations. Students, elders, and community members came together to sing, learn, and reflect on Australia’s history, acknowledging the past and envisioning a unified future. The inclusion of “The Legend of the Desert Pea,” a story written by Arrernte woman Aunty Bev O’Callaghan and now immortalized in song, underscored the importance of preserving and sharing Indigenous histories.
At Unearth-Ed, we believe in the transformative power of experiential learning. Our involvement in the “1,000 Voices for Reconciliation” aligns with our mission to provide educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom, fostering understanding, empathy, and active citizenship among students.
“The professionalism and hard work of Tracey Scanlan from Unearth-Ed meant that we could realise our dream of having key indigenous choristers travel from remote areas to Canberra and receive the best of care during their stay. For these students the experience was transformative. Tracey was with us through all the logistics from beginning to end. Without her determination and knowledge we could not have done it” - Hazel Davies
Unearth-Ed extends our deepest gratitude to all participants, organisers, and communities involved in this meaningful experience. Being part of “1,000 Voices for Reconciliation” has been a profound experience, and we remain committed to supporting similar initiatives that bridge divides and celebrate the rich tapestry of Australia’s heritage.
It was powerful. It was moving. And it was just the beginning.
The Yarning in Song has begun and will now expand nationally as they collaborate with larger networks across Australia for 10,000 voices in 2026.
Have your school join the 10,000 Voices for Reconciliation 2026 and be a part of history!
Register your interest for the 2026 Canberra event or go to www.ozyyouthchoir.org.au
Looking for support in getting your school to the event and navigating Government rebates to get your school to the event? Our team is here to help - get in touch today via our website, www.unearth-ed.com.au
