Promoting reconciliation to all

FREE community events are being run, or have been run, by Moorabool Shire Council to mark National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June.

A Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and Flag Raising Ceremony was held yesterday, Thursday 28 May at 3.30pm at The Village Green, Bacchus Marsh.

Meanwhile, a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony will be held at Ballan Library today, Friday 29 May at 10am, followed by morning tea.

After the Ballan ceremony, the council will also present a Wadawurrung Cultural Talk, facilitated by a Wadawurrung Traditional Owner, from 10.30am. The session will aim to provide insights into Wadawurrung culture, history and connection to Country.

Moorabool Shire mayor Cr Steve Venditti-Taylor said the community was warmly welcome at all events.

“National Reconciliation Week is an important time to strengthen relationships and foster understanding between the wider community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, acknowledging shared histories and working towards a more inclusive future,” Cr Venditti-Taylor said.

“We look forward to hosting these events and encourage the community to come along and take part.”

More information on the events can be found on the council’s website at moorabool.vic.gov.au/Events.

The week falls during two significant events for Australia’s First Nations people, the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.

This year’s nationwide theme for the week is All In, which calls for all Australians to commit to reconciliation every day.

Events such as film screenings and caring for country workshops are also being held in Ballarat.

More information about National Reconciliation Week events across western Victoria at reconciliation.org.au/calendar