Community invited to have say on new Reconciliation Action Plan

COMMUNITY members are invited to contribute to the City of Greater Geelong’s new Reconciliation Action Plan.

The plan aims to build on positive relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people in the community.

Developed with representatives of the Aboriginal community and Reconciliation Australia, the plan will direct the City’s strategies and activities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, based on community priorities and aspirations.

More than 3,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people currently reside in the G21 region, including approximately 2,407 within the City of Greater Geelong.

Mayor Bruce Harwood said Reconciliation Week was an excellent opportunity for all to acknowledge the history and celebrate the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community.

“The City of Greater Geelong is pleased to be contributing to the program for the week through the projections on City Hall showcasing work by talented local Aboriginal artists,” Mr Harwood said.

“We encourage everyone to take part in the activities during Reconciliation Week, and to aid us in the development of our new Reconciliation Action Plan by completing the survey online.”

The City respectfully acknowledges Wadawurrung Traditional Owners of local land and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People who are part of the Greater Geelong community.

As part of this year’s Reconciliation Week, which is held between May 26 to June 3, there will be digital projections on City Hall and the rear of the State government building and viewable from the Barwon Water forecourt.

The animated projection show reels will be created by local multimedia and projection artist Matt Bonner and will feature artworks by local Aboriginal artists, between 6pm-11pm from May 24 to June 9.

There will also be a range of activities at the Geelong Heritage Centre and Library, the Geelong Performing Arts Centre and Geelong Art Gallery.

Reconciliation in the Park, hosted by Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group, is happening at Johnstone Park on Sunday June 2, a free family fun day celebrating local Aboriginal culture with activities, food and cultural entertainment.

In conjunction with the Johnstone Park event, the Geelong Gallery will be hosting guided tours and a pop-up activity station with Aunty Bronwyn Razem.

Visitors to the Gallery can explore the immersive installation in which artist, John Wolseley and senior Yolgnu artist and clan leader, Mulkun Wirrpanda, extend their decade-long collaboration.

Art lovers are then encouraged to take a tour to Barwon Water to view We see recognition—a children’s art exhibition.

The public can help shape the City’s Reconciliation Action Plan by completing a survey at geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay.

The survey is open until Sunday June 9.