May marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week (NRW), 27 May – 3 June. We are pleased to share that we are on the way to our first Reconciliation Action Plan! We will share more details and events in the coming months.
This years’ NRW theme is ALL IN – take action, make change. It’s a call for all Australians to commit to reconciliation every day, rather than intermittently. It’s a reminder that reconciliation is for everyone and should not just lie on the shoulders of a few. What will you commit to? You can read more about NRW and events here.
To mark the occasion, our staff team came together on the first day of NRW to share lunch and some personal stories through an activity called “Whose Country?”. The team were encouraged to share a place, town, region or landmark in Australia that is special to them.
We heard about many incredible parts of Australia — from Dja Dja Wurrung Country around Bendigo, Mount Buller on Taungurung land, and Dendy Street Beach on Bunurong Country, to the Whitsunday Islands on Ngaro Country, Utopia across the lands of the Alyawarre and Anmatyerre peoples, and the mighty Murray River, which crosses the lands of more than 20 First Nations before reaching Ngarrindjeri Country in South Australia.
But the highlight was definitely the desserts hand-made with native Australian ingredients by Schools Coordinator Karen Lutchner. We had decadent treats made with wattleseed, lemon myrtle, gubinge and finger limes! It was a feast for the eyes and bellies.
If you’d like to get involved in NRW, there are many local events organised through local councils, including Flora and Fauna walks, children’s story times, art displays and theatre events. Be sure to check your Local Councils website for some great events.
