Reconciliation event returns to Johnstone Park

FIRST Nations people and non-First Nations people will harmoniously come together this Sunday (May 28) for Reconciliation in the Park, which returns to Geelong for a 14th year.

Back at Johnstone Park, the event will begin National Reconciliation Week’s (May 27-June 3) proceedings across the region, showcasing the talent of local First Nations’ musical talent, art, artifacts, original methods of weaving and the modern ways First Nations people have adapted their practices since colonisation.

Corio-based Wathaurong Co-operative community volunteer and Yorta Yorta woman Sandy Manning will host the barbecue at this year’s event, a role she has relished since Geelong’s second Reconciliation in the Park in 2011.

Ms Manning will prepare and cook native foods ranging from marinades to wattle seed/myrtle cakes, Indigenous foods and a sausage sizzles.

“The favourite every year is the “roovlakis”, an Indigenous take on a traditional souvlaki, it sells out every year, and we do not disclose the recipes of our marinades,” Ms Manning said.

“I’ve been a community member of Wathaurong Co-op for the past 15 years and I’ve loved playing my role in the community and in this event every year.

“This event is a great opportunity for people from all cultures, all religions, all backgrounds, coming together and sharing things about their backgrounds, as well as learning about Wathaurong country.

“We have a number of stalls on offer for visitors to learn a number of different crafts. There’s something for everyone to do there.”

This year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023 is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’, which Reconciliation in the Park organiser and Wadawurrung woman Nikki McKenzie sees as an opportunity for education.

“My take on this year’s theme is about educating yourself,” she said.

“Be the voice of reason, be the voice of calling out racism, be the voice of change, change for the betterment of First Nations people, be the voice of your future family, so they know now that our today is history and not reality for First Nation people then.

“Use your voice to ask questions and use your ears to hear the response. Use your voice wisely.”

The free event this Sunday is on from 10am to 3pm.