Community invited to National Reconciliation Week events

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn how we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year’s theme, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must — continue.

Reconciliation requires a collective effort by all Australians to work together on practical actions, creating a national foundation of strengthened connections, mutual respect between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and a shared value of Indigenous peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

Flag raising ceremony – Bunurong Country (Officer)

The celebrations start with a flag-raising ceremony on Bunurong land on Monday 27 May from 12.30pm to 2pm at Cardinia Shire Civic Centre, 20 Siding Avenue, Officer.

The free event will include a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony by Bunurong Land Council, Didgeridoo performance (Yidaki), raising of the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags, speeches by guests and Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jack Kowarzik. Following the event, guests are invited to afternoon tea and a range of fun activities for children and families.

Reconciliation event – Wurundjeri Country (Emerald)

Come along to the community event in Emerald from 1.30pm to 2.15pm on Tuesday 28 May 2024 at Worrell Reserve to witness and enjoy:

• A Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by local Wurundjeri man Alex Kerr (for Wurundjeri Land Council)

• Presentations from local children and young people about Reconciliation Week’s theme, ‘Now More than Ever’.

This free event is being facilitated jointly by Cardinia Shire Council with Yarra Ranges Council.

New art exhibition at Hills Hub: ‘Dancing Between the Echoes’

Community members are invited to Hills Hub, Emerald to experience a celebration of rich cultural heritage and contemporary expression in the ‘Dancing Between the Echoes’ art exhibition by First Nations artist Emmy Webbers, (also known as Wurruck Yambo). 

The artist is renowned for blending tradition and innovation to create a visual symphony where every stroke tells a story. More than that, this exhibition goes beyond individual stories to create a collective masterpiece and showcase a profound connection to the land, spirituality, and community.

Visit Hills Hub, Emerald (400A Belgrave-Gembrook Road) between 9.30am and 2.30pm, Monday to Friday to enjoy ‘Dancing Between the Echoes’. 

The exhibition will be showing from Friday 24 May to Friday 12 July 2024, during Reconciliation Week until the end of NAIDOC Week. By coinciding with these pivotal moments, the exhibition not only showcases artistic excellence but also becomes a vessel for cultural reflection and commemoration of significant cultural dates and historical milestones. 

For information or enquiries about these events, please call Cardinia Shire Council’s Community Strengthening Team on 1300 787 624 or email mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au.

For more information about Reconciliation Week within Cardinia Shire and across Australia, visit Council’s website at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/reconciliationweek or www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week.