Growing together in reconciliation

GEELONG’s Johnstone Park will come to life later this month for a vibrant celebration of First Nations culture, community and connection.

The annual Reconciliation in the Park event will be held on May 25 and bring community together to reflect, learn and heal.

The event will feature truth telling and relationship building through fostered dialogue and shared experience.

Live music, unique market stalls, delicious food and deadly activities will all be part of the festivities on the day.

This year’s event will again be led by the Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group and have the theme of Bridging Now to Next.

 

Event programmer Kiri Tawhai said there has been a lot happening, even locally, which has felt like a step backwards for reconciliation.

 

“It is easy to feel heavy and worried about the future.

“This year’s theme Bridging Now to Next is asking, what is next? What do we all want as a reconciled future and how do we get there? What are the tangible actions we can take together as a community to make long-lasting change?

“All I know is that we need to build that bridge together, deeply listen and lead with empathy and bravery.”

The First Reconcilation in the Park event was held in 2010 following a conversation between two friends – the late Uncle David Tournier and the late Ron Milligan.

Since then, the event has been a vehicle for educating the community and building connections for change.

Geelong One Fire Reconciliation group member Vicky Grosser said it’s been a delight to honour and be part of the volunteer group of allies supporting this event.

“I’ve learnt to listen, listen again, think and keep learning.

“Each year relationships get stronger, and us non-Indigenous people are gaining confidence and getting bolder in our part of the reconciliation journey. I’m hopeful about what lies ahead, here on beautiful Wadawurrung Country.”

Reconciliation in the Park is free to attend, and will run from 10am to 3pm.