Cardinia Shire Council is encouraging the local community to take part in National Reconciliation Week at the Hills Hub in Emerald.
National Reconciliation Week takes place from 27 May to 3 June and is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to explore how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in Australia. This year’s themes is “Be Brave. Make Change.”
The Hills Hub will be recognising Reconciliation with a range of activities and installations including:
A Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and music performance including didgeridoo and clap sticks, artwork from local schools to curate an exhibition on reflection on the significance of reconciliation actions, an interactive blackboard display for the community to share their reflection.
A “Sea of Hands” installation featuring hands in the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, will be displayed, each one carrying a signature and a citizen’s statement on their commitment to reconciliation.
Indigenous Australia map for community members to share where and how they connect to Indigenous culture and history.
The Emerald Library will also be hosting story time with books by indigenous authors and illustrators.
Cardinia Shore Mayor Councillor Jeff Springfield encourages the community to take part in this important week of reflection and growth.
“We all have an important role to play in reconciliation, as we move forward towards collectively creating a stronger relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of the entire community,” Cr Springfield said.
The Hills Hub is located at 402 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Emerald.
For more information about National Reconciliation Week go to www.nrw.reconciliation.org.au.
