Southern Grampians Shire Council has honoured the remarkable legacy of the Gunditjmara people with a morning tea this week as part of National Reconciliation Week celebrations.
Mayor, Councillor Mary Ann Brown and CEO Michael Tudball were joined by local Indigenous Elders Johnny Lovett and Euphemia Day, Winda-Mara and Western District Health Service representatives, Council Staff, and Community members to celebrate taking the next steps toward reconciliation.
Held annually from 27 May – 3 June, National Reconciliation Week is a time to celebrate and build on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. This year’s theme ‘Let’s take the next steps’, reflects on two significant anniversaries in Australia’s reconciliation journey - the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the 25th anniversary of the High Court Mabo native title decision.
CEO Michael Tudball said continuing to develop stronger relationships with the local indigenous community and recognising the contribution they have made to our region is a priority for Council.
“National Reconciliation Week is a chance for us to reflect on our national identity and our history.
“We should be proud of the rich languages, cultures and traditions of indigenous Australians, who have lived here for some 60,000 years and represent the world’s oldest continuous cultural heritage.
“This week provides the opportunity to gather together, to hear stories from our local indigenous elders and to not only celebrate, but work towards strengthening the reconciliation process”.