National Reconciliation Week in Cardinia Shire

National Reconciliation Week takes place every year from 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. 

It 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. 

Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Brett Owen encouraged residents to join in on local events which include art exhibitions, workshops, storytelling and movie screenings.  

“As a Council, we’re committed to reconciliation and acknowledge the historic and continuing link of the Aboriginal people to the land," Cr Owen said.  

“This is achieved through measures like our Statement of Reconciliation and our Reconciliation Action Plan which outlines practical actions Council will take to drive greater equality, build strong relationships and enhance respect between Aboriginal people, Council and the Cardinia Shire community.

“I encourage all residents to take part in this year’s National Reconciliation Week events. We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and by gaining awareness and knowledge, we can become empowered to take more substantive, brave actions on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” he said. 

Flag raising ceremony (live-streamed)

This event will now be livestreamed. Please join us at the Cardinia Shire Council Facebook page to watch.

National Reconciliation Week will commence in Cardinia Shire with a flag-raising ceremony on Thursday 27 May at 12.30pm.

The outdoor ceremony will include: 

Welcome to Country  speeches   Aboriginal flag-raising ceremony.    ‘Our Tracks and Traces’ digital art installation  

Cardinia Cultural Centre’s Crush Space is transforming into an abstract, interactive digital artwork exploring the natural landscape of Australia. Through the eyes of Indigenous woman and artist Jadah Pleiter and digital installation/animation specialist Homie, the duo will engage the community through their experimental work which recognises indigenous culture. 

This event has been postponed. Watch this page for details.

Djirri Djirri presents mums’n’bubs dance workshop  

Learn dances from the Wurundjeri creative narrative and explore the Woiwurrung language through the art of song and dance. Presented by the Djirri Dijirri Wurundjeri women's dance group, this special session is for mum's and bub's five years and under.

This event has been postponed. Watch this page for details.

‘In My Blood It Runs’ movie screenings and Q&A with Aunt Anni (Torres Strait Islander) 

Join these intimate screenings of the acclaimed feature documentary In My Blood It Runs. The screenings will be followed by an opportunity for a Q&A with local community leader Aunt Anni, who will share her thoughts and observations about living in Australia as one of Australia’s First People. These events are held in partnership with the Pakenham Library and Cardinia’s COVID-19 Community Recovery Committee. Light refreshments provided. 

This event has been postponed. Watch this page for details.

Please note that all events will be run in line with Victorian Government COVID-19 restrictions. For more information, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au. 

For more information about National Reconciliation Week, visit https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/   Or, for more information about the above events contact Council’s  Community Development team on 1300 787 624.