Flag raised for reconciliation

THE Aboriginal flag flew above Queen Victoria Square at the front of Town Hall on Tuesday in a collaborative first between the City of Ballarat and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

The flag-raising event marked National Reconciliation Week, which ends today after having started on Saturday, 27 May.

Aboriginal elders, staff and students from Ballarat Grammar as well as police and paramedics were some of the more than 100 people who attended.

As well as a flag-cleansing and smoking ceremony, presenters included Wadawurrung traditional owner Uncle Albert Zantuck, Cr Daniel Moloney, and Koorie Engagement Action Group co-chair Sarah Jane Hall.

After Mr Zantuck together with Gwen Perkins, Gunditjmara Wotjobaluk woman Pauline Scott, and Glenda Eccles raised the flag, a panel discussion was held at Town Hall.