Reconciliation Week 2023

By Lachlan Ellis

Moorabool residents have commemorated this year’s Reconciliation Week, attending three Council-run events to mark the occasion and acknowledge the history and culture of Indigenous Australians.

Two flag raising ceremonies were held – the first at Bacchus Marsh’s Village Green on Monday and the second at the Ballan Council Office on Wednesday – as well as a singing and storytelling event at the Lerderderg Library on Friday.

In Ballan, the ceremony was attended by around 30 people, from Councillors to emergency service personnel, and even a group of Ballan Primary School students who helped read out the Acknowledgement of Country.

Council’s Senior Community Engagement & Planning Officer Kristian Brudenell was the MC, with Mayor Cr Rod Ward also speaking and Wadawurrung poet Barry Gilson conducting a smoking ceremony and singing in the Wadawurrung language.

“Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June, and it recognises two very significant dates in our history. On 27 May 1967 – it seems incomprehensible now – but a referendum was held that, amongst other things, recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the census. On 3 June 1992 was the famous High Court decision known as the Mabo decision, that recognised Native Title,” Cr Ward said.

“Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. It provides an opportunity to reflect and advance our understanding of reconciliation in our community, and Moorabool is committed to continuing to respect and acknowledge our Traditional Owners and community members.”

Barry Gilson shared stories and the history of the region, including some of the Wadawurrung names for parts of Moorabool and surrounds, and what they mean.

“I welcome all my ancestors from the past. Without them we wouldn’t be here. It’s said there were about 4,000 of us before colonisation, 25 family groups around our countryside – we go all the way to Waubra which means ‘turn back’, Aireys Inlet, all the way to Werribee, and ‘Ballaarat’, meaning ‘elbow resting against the fire’ and ‘arat’ meaning ‘at home’,” Mr Gilson said.

“This is an important week where we can share our histories and our culture, and discuss things to make a bit of a conversation about where we’re going as a people. Thank you all for coming today, lots of love from both me and my ancestors.”

For more information on Reconciliation Week, visit www.reconciliation.org.au.