Koorie Champions News

We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, the Wathaurong people and acknowledge and pay our respects to elders past and present and emerging.

Reconciliation Week

27th May - 3rd June

Read on to find out what you can do.

WHAT IS NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK?

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates remain the same each year: 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships. We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’ is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians. Last year Reconciliation Australia encouraged all Australians to take action; not just in National Reconciliation Week but every week of the year. This year we are asking everyone to make change beginning with brave actions in their daily lives – where they live, work, play and socialise.

Some things you could do might be:

• Take time to empower First Nations voices by watching, listening and engaging with some of the countless incredible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural icons and brave faces at the forefront of positive change.

The Whatchamacallit series is the perfect opportunity to hear from some of these familiar change-makers. Watch and listen as national icons Stan Grant, Mark Olive, Barkaa, Ziggy Ramo, Dobby and Matty Mills share their stories of Country, culture, family and careers through conversations. https://experience.welcometocountry.com/pages/whatchamacallit

• Visit the nursery and choose a bush tucker plant to enjoy. Talk as a family about the importance of caring for Country.

• Expand your understanding by buying an Indigenous book or jigsaw and share your thoughts as a family. This website link ensures all profits directly benefit Indigenous artists. https://shop.welcometocountry.com/collections/books

• Express your support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to friends and family.