Lots on offer during National Reconciliation Week
Published on 20 May 2024
National Reconciliation Week 2024 runs from Monday, 27 May to Monday, 3 June, with this year’s theme Now More Than Ever.
Glenelg Shire Council is offering a range of activities throughout the week and will host a Community National Reconciliation Week event at the Heywood Community Hall on Thursday, 30 May 2024, from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
The event invites community members, schools, government agencies partners and allies to join in reflection and recognition of what Reconciliation looks like in our community and to join in conversations about truth-telling, understanding our history, becoming more informed and tackling racism.
Glenelg Shire Mayor Karen Stephens said: “There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away.
“But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.
“Glenelg Shire Council acknowledges that it needs to work with the Aboriginal community to better understand the issues still being experienced by Aboriginal people as a result of colonisation.
“Glenelg Shire Council has a long standing partnership with Aboriginal leaders but still has much to do in understanding the work of reconciliation.
“While we can be proud of the work that has been done, we need to continue to strengthen relationships and our work internally to evolve our policies and processes to address the ongoing impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to enable self determined outcomes for future generations.
“National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June and the theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue.”
Other key National Reconciliation Week dates and activities in the Glenelg Shire are:
Activity/Date, Location, Date, Time
National Sorry Day, Nationally, Sunday 26 May
NRW Commences, Nationally, Monday 27 May
First Nations Book Displays, Glenelg Libraries, Friday 27 May – Sunday 2 June
Libraries After Dark, Portland Library, Thursday 30 May 6pm - 8pm
Artist Talk: Kellie Frankland-Saunders and free film screening of Wash My Soul in the River’s Flow, Portland Arts Centre, Thursday 30 May 10am - 11.30am
Lava Flow - Kellie Frankland-Saunders Exhibition Opening, Portland Arts Centre, Friday 31 May 6pm - 8pm
NRW Themed Storytime, Portland Library, Friday 31 May 11am
First Nations Film Screenings, Portland Arts Centre, Saturday 1 June 2pm - 6pm
Mabo Day – NRW End, Nationally, 3 June
Some of the highlights:
Lava Flow
Kellie Frankland-Saunders is a proud Kilcarer Gunditj and Gilgar Gunditj Traditional Custodian of the Gunditjmara tribe.
Kellie has been practising both traditional and contemporary art for over 25 years. Kellie also teaches art based Cultural Awareness to Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.
Kellie’s artwork reflects the traditional Gunditjmara style and her deep connection to the land and the many sites of cultural and spiritual importance in the South West of Victoria.
The Portland Arts Centre is incredibly proud to be able to host Kellie’s first solo show. There are two celebratory events planned to mark Reconciliation Week.
Lava Flow runs from 23 May until 2 August 2024.
Storytime
Portland Library 11am, Friday 31 May.
Readings of Respect by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson and Shapes of Australia by Bronwyn Bancroft.
Together participants will on a NRW2024 Chevron themed bookmark – one to take home, and one to contribute to the NRW2024 chevron collage art display for the library.
Similarly, the chevron art designed locally, will feature the artwork created by young people in our community, in a collaboration between GSC and Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation.