Mount Alexander Shire Council will be recognising Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week with a number of events open to the community.
Sorry Day, which is held annually on 26 May, is a day of remembrance to acknowledge the pain and injustice experienced by members of the stolen generations, and its lasting impacts.
National Reconciliation Week begins the following day from Saturday 27 May to Saturday 3 June. The week will feature a range of events run by Nalderun to commemorate, educate and nurture the entire community.
This year’s theme is ‘Be a voice for generations’, and encourages everyone to use their power, their words and their vote to create a better, more just Australia for everyone.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Mayor, Cr Rosie Annear, said that Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week are important for acknowledging the pain of the past and looking towards a reconciled future.
“We all have a role to play in reconciliation,” said Mayor Annear.
“By coming together we can collectively build relationships and communities that value, recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their cultures and their histories.
“I’d like to extend an invitation to the entire community to join us at the Sorry Day commemorative event.
“We’re honoured to be involved and look forward to marking this important day together.
“There are also a number of events happening over the week, which are being run by our friends at Nalderun.
“There’ll be music, guided tours, walks, films, and a local favourite, the Taproom pub sing.
“I’m particularly looking forward to the National Reconciliation Week exhibition at the Market Building in Castlemaine.
“It features local art, artefacts, and information on local initiatives and how to get involved with and support our First Nations community. It will be open from Saturday 27 May to Sunday 4 June.
“I encourage everyone to stop by and have a look at this fantastic exhibition. While you’re there, you can also visit Boorp Boorp Boondyil, an extraordinary exhibition sharing Jaara stories and teachings that’s on year-round.”
Sorry Day Commemoration
When: Friday 26 May, 10.30am
Where: Castlemaine Secondary College, 2 Lawson Parade, Castlemaine
What: A Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, guest speakers, and student representatives from Castlemaine Secondary College, Chewton Primary School and Winters Flat Primary School.
National Reconciliation Week Launch
When: Saturday 27 May, 10.30am
Where: Market Building, Castlemaine
What: The event will be launched by Council’s CEO Darren Fuzzard, and will include guest speakers acknowledging National Reconciliation Week, a performance from the Peace Choir and the Nalderun Awards presentation.
Read more about Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week at https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/ and find out what’s on at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.