National Reconciliation Week
kicks off this Saturday (27 May) with a huge line-up of events right around the country. We’ve put together some highlights so you can find out what’s happening right here.
Click on the photos to find out more.
We’re supporting Reconciliation in the Park at Johnstone Park on Sunday, 28 May. Geelong’s annual First Nations arts, music and culture sharing event features lots of hands-on activities and a market place and kicks off at 10 am.
We’re getting involved in National Reconciliation Week through our sponsorship of the Cats’ Djilang match at GMHBA Stadium against the Greater Western Sydney Giants this Saturday, 27 May.
We’re hosting projections in the Ryrie St forecourt from Saturday, 27 May featuring works completed by artists living in the Barwon Marngoneet and Karreenga correctional facilities. The project is a partnership between City of Greater Geelong, projection artist Matt Bonner, and the Torch program.
We’re inviting staff of all nations and backgrounds to come along to a yarning circle session, facilitated by Aboriginal Partnerships Advisor Kiri Tawhai. The yarning circles will provide a culturally safe space to learn about reconciliation. There’s three sessions to choose from on Monday, 29 May, Tuesday, 30 May and Thursday, 1 June. Please note this event is for Barwon Water employees only.
Key dates during National Reconciliation Week: National Sorry Day - 26 May
Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum - 27 May
Mabo Day - 3 June
The Torch projection artwork by Andrew W Father and Son.
If you’re keen for some live music, head to Federation Square in Melbourne for the Mabo Day concert. Mabo Day commemorates Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn the legal fiction of terra nullius, or ‘land belonging to no-one’. This free community concert will be headlined by soul, R&B and pop artist Kee’ahn.
The Geelong Arts Centre is hosting Cultural Conversations featuring Gerard Black, Marsha Uppill, Christine Couzens MP and Matt Stokes. The event is hosted by Gunditjmara man, actor and playwright Tom Molyneux and will see First Nations artists, elders and allies come together to examine reconciliation in our every day lives. It’s all happening on Saturday, 3 June.
Surf Coast Shire Council is hosting author, advocate and campaigner Thomas Mayo as a special guest speaker on Monday 29 May at 6pm. His most recent book is The Voice to Parliament Handbook, co-authored with journalist Kerry O’Brien.
Hear from The Torch artist and Keerraaywoorrong man, Chris Austin about his artwork which is deeply influenced and informed by his own time spent behind the bluestone walls. Pentridge Prison Tours commissioned work from Chris for both the Warder’s Residence and more recently, B Division. The talk will be followed by a tour of B Division. It’s happening on Saturday, 3 June
Take part in Conversations That Matter with the Give Where You Live Foundation and special guest speaker Nova Peris OAM at GMHBA Stadium on Wednesday, 31 May. You will need to book tickets.
For the full calendar of events, go to: nrw.reconciliation.org.au/calendar/
