Walk to support reconciliation

Published on 15 May 2019

Residents will unite on Wednesday, 29 May to mark National Reconciliation Week with a walk through the streets of Kerang.

Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health, Mallee District Aboriginal Services and the Kerang Elders Group have united to organise a morning of events, highlighted by a walk from the Kerang Council Chambers at 10am to the Sir John Gorton Library.

“National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Held annually between 27 May and 3 June, National Reconciliation Week commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum that gave Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders the right to vote, and the 1992 High Court Mabo Native Title decision.”

Festivities will begin with a flag raising ceremony outside the Kerang Council Chambers in Victoria Street, before local leaders and residents walk to the Sir John Gorton Library via Wellington, Fitzroy, Scoresby and Nolan streets.

Events occurring at Kerang’s library precinct will begin at 10.30am with a Welcome to Country, followed by a smoking ceremony, a Tyipen Kwe dance performance and a free barbecue lunch.

“This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme is Grounded in Truth – Walk together with courage, which recognises that for positive race relations to occur, relationships must be grounded in a foundation of truth,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“The development of these relationships requires all of us to come to terms with our history as we move towards a unified future, in which we understand, value and respect each other. Whether you’re engaging in challenging conversations or unlearning and relearning what you know, this journey requires all of us to walk together with courage.”

Meanwhile, the Gannawarra Library Service will mark Reconciliation Week with special Story Time sessions, occurring on Thursday, 30 May.

Sessions will be held at the service’s Cohuna branch at 10.30am and Kerang’s Sir John Gorton Library at 11am.