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St Augustine’s students ‘All in’ for reconciliation

By Bree Lambert

May 29, 2026

Uncle Rick Ronnan performs the smoking ceremony as students walk through the cleansing smoke and made their way to the Reconciliation Mass. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

St Augustine’s College students and staff were ‘All in’ as they gathered for their annual Reconciliation Mass on Thursday, May 28, during National Reconciliation Week.

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The ceremony began with hundreds of students, alongside staff and guests, walking through the cleansing smoke of a traditional smoking ceremony, guided by Uncle Rick Ronnan, before coming together in the Brigidine Centre.

College captains Dylan Priest and Charli Miller opened the school’s mass, followed by a Welcome to Country delivered by Uncle Rick, who shared his culture and connection to Country, and offered his wisdom on this year’s theme.

“The theme for this year is ‘All in,’ and all in reminds me of growing up over in Echuca East, in a three-bedroom house where there were 18 heads. So, we were all in.”

Uncle Rick Ronnan delivered a Welcome to Country. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

During his speech, Uncle Rick invited students to turn and look at the person beside them, reminding them that we never know how long our time together might be.

“But while we’re beside them, pay that respect to them,” he said.

“You make the world a better place when you look after one another.”

Students India Iannacone, Francez Cueva and Guneet Buttar then took to the stage, speaking about the importance of reconciliation and how the theme calls for us to fully commit ourselves on the journey of reconciliation through words, actions, attitudes and relationships.

Father Uday Marneni delivered the homily, also speaking about spiritual guidance and the importance of reconciliation, as he explored the deeper meaning of this year’s theme.

Father Uday Marneni gives the homily. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

“To be all in means including others, respecting differences, standing against bullying and racism, listening to First Nations voices, helping those who feel lonely or left out, building friendships with kindness and understanding,” he said.

“Reconciliation begins with small actions — a smile, a kind word, an apology, a helping hand — and a willingness to learn from one another.”

The 2026 Friends Igniting Reconciliation Education carriers were also introduced at the mass, an honour performed every Reconciliation Week and one that continues the college’s commitment to reconciliation.