National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June 2024. 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 theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will — and must — continue. Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation.
The dates of Reconciliation Week commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey. The successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision.
On the eve of Reconciliation Week, National Sorry Day commemorates the tabling of the the Bringing Them Home report in Parliament. The report resulted from the Government enquiry into past policies that caused children to be removed from their families and communities. National Sorry Day is a time to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the nation.
Before and throughout Reconciliation Week, we are hosting a range of events and initiatives that provide opportunities for our community to come together and connect, learn, reflect and celebrate.
Walking and Yarning on Country with Aunty Barb Simms and Uncle Dean Kelly
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Connect to Country and learn about the significance of National Sorry Day at this Reconciliation Week event with Bidjigal Traditional Owner, Aunty Barb Simms, and local Traditional Knowledge Holder, Uncle Dean Kelly, a Yuin/Wailwan man. Aunty Barb is a survivor of the Stolen Generations and Deputy Chair of the NSW/ACT Stolen Generation Council. Take the opportunity to join her in a yarning circle to hear about her experiences and the work that is currently being done to address the ongoing impacts of previous government policies.
Walk on Country along the Oatley Park foreshore with Uncle Dean as he shares knowledge passed down to him through his family and elders about how the local landscape and native plants were used and cared for by the old people over tens of thousands of years.
When: Saturday 25 May 2024, 9.30am - 12.30pm.
Where: Oatley Park Foreshore.
Cost: FREE
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Weaving and Yarning with Virginia Keft
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Join Muruwarri artist, Virginia Keft, for an interactive Aboriginal weaving and yarning circle. Connect with others and learn about the artist's connection to culture, sculptural weaving techniques, share a story, and discover a new skill.
During this event, participants are invited to share time, stories, and physical space in a circle. They are then invited to contribute to a collaborative artwork. The resulting artwork is a combination of beautiful individual works that stands as a lasting memory of the yarn and the people who were present. No experience is necessary. All are welcome and weaving materials will be provided.
When: Tuesday 28 May 2024, 10.00am - 11.00am.
Where: Carss Park Life Saving Hall.
Cost: FREE
When: Wednesday 29 May 2024, 11.00am - 12.30pm.
Where: Hurstville Library (This session will include a Mandarin Interpreter).
Cost: FREE
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Georges River Council's Better Together Campaign
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Georges River is a rich and culturally diverse community. We have a growing population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who live, work and meet in our LGA. We celebrate our diversity and are committed to supporting a socially inclusive and connected community. We want to make sure everyone feels safe and welcome, which is why we launched the Georges River “Better Together” anti-racism campaign on 21 March 2022.
This four-year campaign aims to promote diversity, encourage social cohesion and call out discrimination in our community. Initiatives of this campaign have included the installation of twelve #RacismNotWelcome street signs in high-traffic locations to ensure everyone who lives, works or visits Georges River feels welcome and assured that racism is not accepted. Bystander Anti-Racism Training sessions have been delivered to help members of the community identify racism and be given the tools on how to act. Ethical Storytelling Workshops have assisted people from diverse communities to share their stories of lived experiences.
During Reconciliation Week, we want to hear from you. Visit our Your Say survey and tell us how we can support those affected by racism. The survey is also a safe space for you to share whether you have seen or experienced racism in the community.
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Explore the First Nations Collection at Georges River Libraries
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 Georges River Libraries' First Nations Collection consists of approximately 600 titles.
The collection was created with the aim of amplifying the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers and artists to build knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture within our community.
The bulk of the collection is available to browse and borrow from Hurstville Library, however members can reserve items in the library catalogue to pick up from any of the Georges River Libraries access points.
For more information, email library@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or visit Libraries.
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First Nations Storytime
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 Contribute to the Georges River Libraries Sea of Hands to show solidarity with First Nations Peoples, and join our special story times where we amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and artists.
Suitable for children aged 3-5 years old.
- Oatley Library: Tuesday 28 May, 10.30am - 11.15am
- Penshurst Library: Wednesday 29 May, 10.30am - 11.15am (with Sea of Hands craft activity).
- South Hurstville Library: Thursday 30 May, 10.30am - 11.15am.
- Clive James Library, Kogarah: Friday 31 May, 10.30am - 11.15am (with Sea of Hands craft activity). |
Reconciliation Week Mural at Hurstville Museum & Gallery
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Hands are a symbol of connection. Come along during Reconciliation Week 2024 and participate in our mural!
With this activity we want to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Trace around your hand or use the template, decorate it and/or leave a message and hang it for everyone to see in our Snapshot Gallery.
After Monday 3 June 2024, the mural will be hanging in our art class for a full year for everyone to reflect upon and be inspired by.
For more information and opening hours, email museumgallery@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or visit Hurstville Museum and Gallery.
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