Commemorating Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week

Published on 20 May 2024

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 Monday 27 May to Monday 3 June. The week will feature a range of events run by Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation to commemorate, educate and nurture the entire community.

This year’s theme is ‘Now More Than Ever’, and is a reminder that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will – and must – continue.

Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Mayor, Councillor Matthew Driscoll, said that it’s essential to acknowledge the pain of the past as well as look towards the future.

“Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week is an important time every year where we come together to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their cultures and their histories,” said Mayor Driscoll.

“I’d like to extend an invitation to all of Mount Alexander Shire to join us at our Sorry Day commemorative event.

“It’s set to be a moving day with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by performed by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson.

“Our guest speaker Uncle Ron Murray will offer his reflections on the day, and there will also be a performance by musical duo Kinja, with a barbecue to follow.

“The following day marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week which we’re acknowledging with an event at the Market Building.

“Come along for a Welcome to Country, a chat between Uncle Ron Murray and Nicky Winmar about Nick’s new book, the Nalderun Awards and morning tea.

“We’re honoured to be involved in these events and look forward to marking this important time together.

“There are also a number of events happening over the week, which are being run by our friends at Nalderun.

“There’ll be a film, an exhibition launch, music, talks and lots more.

“I encourage the entire community to get involved in the week’s activities,” said Mayor Driscoll.

Sorry Day Commemoration
When: Sunday 26 May, 10.00am
Where: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens
What: A commemorative event that will include:

• Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony performed by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson.
• Guest speakers Uncle Ron Murray (Wamba Wamba, Tatiara man) and Mayor Mathew Driscoll, offering their reflections.
• Performance by Kinja Music.
• Free barbecue.

National Reconciliation Week Launch
When: Monday 27 May, 10.00am
Where: Market Building, Castlemaine
What: A commemorative event that will include:

• The launch of Nicky Winmar’s book My Story: From Bush Kid to AFL Legend in conversation with Uncle Ron Murray.
• Nalderun Awards.
• Morning tea.

Read more about Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week at www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/ and find out what’s on at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.