City Hall is set to be
transformed next week by special projections as part of planned activities
marking National Reconciliation Week (Tuesday 27 May – Tuesday 3 June).
National Reconciliation Week
provides all Australians with the opportunity to learn about our shared
histories, Cultures and achievements, and consider how we can contribute to
achieving Reconciliation in Australia. This year’s theme - Bridging Now to
Next - calls on us to step forward together, guided by past lessons.
The City of Greater Geelong
recognises the significant contribution of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in shaping our cultural identity.
Reconciliation Week is an
opportunity to reflect, reaffirm our commitments to the Reconciliation movement
and the steps we take in partnership with First Nations community in achieving
Reconciliation outcomes. Our bold and innovative projections celebrate
continuing connection and care for Country while speaking to the theme’s
reflection of the ongoing relationship between past, present and future.
Running throughout
Reconciliation Week from dusk to midnight, the program features work from local
First Nations artists: Nikki McKenzie (Wadawurrung), Chloe Chatterton
(Wadawurrung), Jenna Oldaker (Wadawurrung), Joshua James (Noongar Wardandi
Boodja Moorditj Kaadadjan), Jessi Muir (Wiradjuri), Michelle Searle (Awabakal),
and Kiri Tawhai (Whadjuk Noongar, Ngapuhi and Ngati Tuwharetoa).
In addition to the
projections, the City’s catenary lights at the intersection of Malop and
Moorabool streets will fade to black, red and yellow each evening, reflecting
the colours of the Aboriginal flag, and then green, blue, black and white,
reflecting the Torres Strait flag.
Join proud Wadawurrung woman
Corrina Eccles for a meaningful Smoking Ceremony and Walk on Country Ceremony at the Carousel on Wednesday
28 May. Participants will be guided through this powerful cultural experience,
fostering understanding, respect, and unity. Bookings recommended.
We’re excited to announce
during Reconciliation Week the chance for community to participate in Cultural
Education experiences through On-Country tours in Geelong this June and July.
Hosted by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, these
facilitated walks led by a Traditional Owner will showcase Heritage Sites, Art
and Cultural Landmarks with Storytelling and Truth Telling. The tours are free
and will also include light refreshments. Bookings are essential:
Acclaimed
Arrernte artist Jasmine-Skye Marinos will lead a family friendly Museum Explorers session at the National Wool Museum that explores the
continuous connection between the past, present, and future through
Storytelling, music, and craft activities.
The City is proud to
financially support the Reconciliation in the Park event which brings together local Aboriginal community members
and organisations through Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group. On Sunday 25
May, this annual event at Johnstone Park will feature music, food and markets.
Our Yarra Street Window Gallery will present a powerful First Peoples Exhibition showcasing the work of 12 First Nations artists, launching in Reconciliation
Week and running until Monday 25 August. This vibrant display celebrates
Culture, Connection to Country, and Storytelling through diverse mediums,
offering a window into the strength and creativity of local Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander voices. Open 24/7 on Yarra Street (Market Square
building) between Malop and Little Malop streets.
National Sorry Day falls on
the day before Reconciliation Week (Monday 26 May) and commemorates the Stolen
Generations who were forcibly removed from their families as children between
the 1800s - 1970s. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags will fly at
half-mast at City Hall to mark this day of mourning before flying at full mast
for the duration of Reconciliation Week.
Greater
Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Council wants to put Reconciliation at
the forefront of the community’s mind.
Our region has great historic and cultural diversity and the
range of activities on offer provide opportunities for the wider community to
engage in dialogue about this year’s theme - Bridging Now to Next.
National Reconciliation Week calls on all Australians to step
forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons
guide us.
Awabakal artist Michelle
Searle
The City Hall projections aere an amazing opportunity to showcase
artists from across the lands, as they have all travelled different journeys and
come from various places.
This diversity is reflected
in our unique styles and artwork. My art reflects me and my journey.
Reconciliation Week is a
time for us all to reflect on where we have come from and acknowledge the
cultural history of not only our beautiful Wathaurong lands but the lands of
many nations across Australia.
As a proud Aboriginal
woman, I want to share my stories and art to spark conversation in a positive
light on our Culture.
Nyatne baa Gobata (Take
care and Thank you).
There are a number of ways
the City is working towards Reconciliation all year round through programming
and partnerships.
We are a proud member of the
Geelong Aboriginal Employment Taskforce, a collaborative alliance dedicated to
advancing employment outcomes, culturally safe workplaces, career advancement
and training opportunities for First Nations People across Geelong.
The National Wool Museum’s
strong relationship with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and First Nations
community has positively influenced the expansion of our collection and
commissioning of significant artworks and stories. Our award winning On The Land: Our Story Retold exhibition, Djillong Possum Skin Cloak Project with Tammy Gilson (Wadawurrung) and the
shortlisting of First Nations creatives in We The Makers Sustainable Fashion
Prize reflect the strength of creativity and Storytelling in our region. Last year, the Museum acquired ‘House of Gold– Chapter 6’
photographic work by Dr Christian Thompson AO (Bidjara), who references the
pose of an exhausted shearer after a long day of labour, set within the
National Wool Museum.
We’re drafting our Geelong Heritage Strategy 2025-2035 that will recognise a broader range of Heritage
in our region, with one of the goals being improved recognition and celebration
of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and First Nations Heritage. Our Public Art Strategy 2025 will aim to develop a clear direction for public art in the
region that better showcases our cultural heritage and identity. Wadawurrung
Traditional Owners have helped to shape our public spaces with a First Nations
lens.
We have a Memorandum of
Understanding with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative to backfill Maternal
Child Health staff at the co-op during leave and share information about
contemporary practice in this space.
The City is committed to
cultural safety and culturally appropriate recruitment and retention processes
for First Nations employees. Our Enterprise Bargaining Agreement includes paid
cultural leave, community volunteering leave, Sorry Business (bereavement)
leave and mentoring. We also provide cultural walks for new staff of all
backgrounds. These are important steps as we prepare for the next phase of the
Reconciliation journey.