National Reconciliation Week in the Glenelg Shire
Published on 24 May 2023
Community members are being asked to be a voice for their generation as part of National Reconciliation Week (NRW) events taking place across the Glenelg Shire.
The Glenelg Shire Council, Partner Organisations and community groups have released their program of NRW events and activities between 27 May – 3 June 2023, offering opportunities for all people to walk, gather, create and share their voices for reconciliation.
“Each year National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. This year’s program of events provides a variety of opportunities for everyone to come together,” said Glenelg Shire Mayor Cr Scott Martin.
“Community members may have already noticed that the NRW roundabout street banners are on display in the Portland CBD to signal the start of this important week.
“The Glenelg Aboriginal Partnership will be hosting a National Reconciliation Week lunch event on Wednesday 31 May built around the theme set by Reconciliation Australia, Be a Voice for Generations, which encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.
“The Partnership have collaborated to deliver a range of activities and displays on the day aimed at the staff, community and respective members of all four of the partner organisations of the Aboriginal Partnership.”
Cr Martin said outside of this informal event, there are a number of local events and activities the broader community can get involved in.
“Portland parkrun are hosting a NRW themed run on Saturday 27 May, Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly & Community Health Service are offering a community flag raising ceremony event for National Sorry Day on Friday 26 May as well as a Comedy Night Tackling Indigenous Smoking on Wednesday 31 May. The Glenelg Libraries will also be running a colouring in competition for all ages and Storytime for the region’s youngest,” he said.
“We also acknowledge that a number of sporting groups have already kicked off NRW activities, with both Heywood Football Netball Club and Tyrendarra Sporting Club debuting new uniforms designed by Gunditjmara artists Jason Walker and Tom Day. Heywood hosted their Wilarn Match with an annual bridge walk and smoking ceremony in Heywood as part of their Reconciliation Round commitments.
“There are also free online events and resources the community can access through Reconciliation Victoria as part of their National Reconciliation Week offerings.
“I hope to see the community taking part in National Reconciliation Week and exploring how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.”
For full details on NRW events and activities across the Shire, please visit the Glenelg Shire website.
The Glenelg Aboriginal Partnership comprises representatives from Winda- Mara Aboriginal Corporation, Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service (DWECH), Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the Glenelg Shire Council.