Geelong gathers for Reconciliation in the Park

GEELONG’S Johnstone Park came alive with music and dance on Sunday, as the local community gathered for Reconciliation in the Park, now in its 15th year.

Created by the local First Nations community with Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group, the annual event regularly sees crowds of up to 700 people joining in the celebration, with visitors enjoying hands-on cultural activities, live music, market stalls and conversation.

This year’s event was slightly different in tone, falling during a challenging time of Sorry Business, a period of mourning after the passing of a significant member for the local Aboriginal community.

“This continues to be a really strong First Nations self-determined event and the growth of allies is really apparent,” Geelong One Fire president Vicky Grosser said.

“There was a real strong coming together and people are very committed to wanting to keep acting on learning truth and creating justice together.

“It was a magnificent day, but it did have the sense of loss of Jurrawaa.”

Traditional Owner Corrina Eccles, along with Wadawurrung community members, began the event with a powerful Welcome to Country, while live music was provided throughout the day by Loud & Deadly, Lyndon Morgan, and Alinta (fire/water) and her Aunty Kylie.

Vicky said seeing the younger Aboriginal people excited to dance at the event was a highlight, with other young people indicating that they would like to sing next year.

Aunty Helen Brotherton, who shared traditional cultural practice through a basket-making activity, said the day went very well “despite the sadness of the time”.

“We need to work together, and this is a strong place to be together.

“One woman told me that she comes every year because she knows it’s a good place and she loves the learning and conversations.”

Reconciliation in the Park aligned with the end of National Reconciliation Week, which ran from May 27 to June 3, and championed this year’s theme, “Now More Than Ever”.

“The relationship building and enjoyment of one another and conversations with Aunties and the sharing of culture is really a special opportunity and experience that we have together, but it isn’t something to be just kept to one day, because reconciliation is an ongoing action for change across society” Vicky said.

“I think we can look to a lot of the younger people, across the broad community, who are wanting to be open and build relationships and learn and walk together.

“For those of us whose peoples have been on this country for a really short period of time in its history, I think it’s a time to be humble and to listen and look forward to a future that is more honest.

“There will be gains for everyone; there are no losses expected through reconciliation.

“There are so many gifts in what we can do together.”