Reconciliation Week puts focus on Treaty

THE Victorian Treaty process and its potential to deliver lasting outcomes for First Nations communities will be the focus of this year’s National Reconciliation Week event hosted by the Surf Coast Shire.

Gunditjmara/Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung man John Clarke will speak on this year’s theme and the role Treaty can play in helping Aboriginal communities set priorities and identify the outcomes that matter most to them.

Clarke is the general manager of biocultural landscapes with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and a member of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.

Victoria last year became the first Australian state to enshrine Treaty with First Nations people in law, creating a framework for Aboriginal communities to have a greater say in decisions that affect them and their families.

National Reconciliation Week began on Wednesday and runs until 3 June, with National Sorry Day observed on Tuesday.

This year’s theme, All In, emphasises that reconciliation is not a spectator sport and calls on all Australians to take action and contribute to meaningful change.

“The council is continuing its journey towards reconciliation, and while our commitment and actions are year-round, we welcome National Reconciliation Week as a time to reflect and focus with our community,” Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said.

“This year’s theme, All In, reminds us that we all have roles to play in achieving reconciliation, and that we need to show up as allies, respectfully walking beside First Nations people and growing our understanding.

“We look forward to sharing in John Clarke’s insights at our event, and encourage community members to attend and learn about meaningful ways to move forward towards reconciliation.”

The shire’s event will take place at the In The Skies Restaurant in Lorne on Thursday 4 June from noon–3pm.

The shire will run a free bus from Torquay Community House to the event, stopping for pick-ups at Anglesea Community House and Aireys Inlet Community Hall.

To register to attend the event and reserve a seat on the bus, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/FirstNationsReconciliation