Gayle Kennedy: Jake Briggs is a Wonnarua and Kamilaroi man who is the Chairperson of the Aboriginal Disability Network NSW. His portrait is called Soul Deep and Jake says:
Jake Briggs: 'Becoming a quadriplegic when I had my accident – jumped into a pool and skimmed the bottom of the pool and my neck creased back and just slightly pinched on the spinal cord, which swelled up and starved all of the oxygen to the rest of my body. Yeah, just being a fair-skinned Aboriginal it was hard, especially when people wouldn’t recognise that you are Koori, but I have always said it ... “you don’t have to be black to be black.” Being of my complexion – and you know what I look like – I have never thought of myself as not being Aboriginal. Like, I have always felt that I fit in. That’s a good thing. I have always felt that I belong.'
Josie Cashman: I’m going to talk about Jake Briggs, who refused to accept the disadvantaged label that has been placed upon, seemingly, the whole of the First Australians and also people with disabilities. Most Aboriginal and Torres Strait leaders dream of being treated as being full citizens of this country, with full access to education. But if we allow Indigenous people to think that they can’t do anything, or that the system is against us, what is the point of learning? No ifs or buts, every Indigenous child needs to attend school. One day I dream of many Aboriginal doctors, accountants and public servants. Now we live in a world full of possibilities, of people who are victorious and refuse to accept the disadvantaged label. Jake shows this to us. I’m pleased to say there are many examples of Indigenous leaders who are victorious. They do not accept the left’s intellectual racism and the disadvantaged label. They are the Aussie battlers who are working hard in the community to lift their people, create hope and let them believe that anything is possible. They have a humbleness and a real sense and connection to their country and their land. This is where they draw their strength from, as proud Aboriginal Australians.
Gayle Kennedy: Thank you to Worimi woman Josie Cashman who is the Managing Director of Riverview Global Partners and a Member of the Prime Minister's Indigenous Advisory Council.