First Nations Cultural Heritage Events and Reconciliation Action Plan
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Published on 07 March 2022
Macedon Ranges Shire Council is committed to fostering respect, understanding and trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all Macedon Ranges communities. Council recognises the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the region – the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples.
The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), being launched at the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, is an integral part of Council’s commitment to encouraging a deeper understanding of the cultures and traditions of First Nation’s peoples and creating opportunities and partnerships to promote knowledge and skills.
Three unique events will open the Autumn Festival on Country, over one big weekend (26-27 March), each celebrating the region’s rich Indigenous heritage and offering a unique opportunity to learn from Traditional Owners’ and Custodians’ connection to Country.
Saturday 26 March Celebrating Dja Dja Wurrung Country10am, Dja Dja Wurrung country – Malmsbury Common, Malmsbury .This is a free event, places are limited and registrations are essential.
Malmsbury Common is a highly valued conservation reserve containing significant native grasslands, wetlands and stream bank vegetation.
Event will include:
Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony with Dja Dja Wurrung Elder. Launch of the RAP with Macedon Ranges Shire Council Mayor Cr Jennifer Anderson. Djaara cultural food and fibre plants tour. Introduction to new trail network and Indigenous signage. A bushfood inspired morning tea by Murnong Mammas. Coffee truck onsite. Celebrating Taungurung Country2pm, Taungurung Country – Bald Hill Reserve
This is a free event, places are limited and registrations are essential.
Located on the outskirts of Kyneton, this woodland and grassland reserve is an ecologically, geologically and culturally significant location.
Event will include:
A short group walk to celebrate the unique natural environment of Bald Hill (NB sturdy shoes are required – will involve some off-track and rocky sections).
Sunday 27 March Celebrating Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country11am, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country – Jacksons Creek Reserve, Gisborne This is a free event.
Picnic in Gisborne's beautiful Jacksons Creek Reserve and experience a wonderful afternoon of live music and fun in the sun among the autumn leaves.
Event will include:
Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony with Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung elder Mandy Nicholson Launch of the RAP and Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival with Macedon Ranges Shire Council Mayor Cr Jennifer Anderson Special guest performanceStay on for the Ultimate Autumn Picnic and an afternoon of vibrant, family-friendly live music performed by vocal superstars ‘Cassidy La Crème’ and ‘Tash York’ playing the hottest Top-40 hits from the 90s to today. Bring your own picnic lunch, or treat yourself to something tasty from the selection of food trucks standing by.
Mayor Cr Jennifer Anderson said that while she is excited to be opening the Autumn Festival and welcoming visitors to explore our Shire, she is equally delighted to launch the Reconcilliation Action Plan (RAP) and to have three very special First Nations cultural heritage events on this year’s festival program.
“I would encourage both those who are able to join in the celebrations on the day, and anyone attending the rest of the Autumn festival to take the opportunity to learn more about reconciliation and improve awareness of Aboriginal history and culture in the context of our beautiful region.”
“While Council has a key leadership role to play in the reconciliation process, fostering a future of healing, acknowledging our true history and righting the wrongs is an ongoing journey that involves everyone in our community.”
“Our history is a shared history but importantly we also have the opportunity to create a shared future, where Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Peoples’ histories, cultures and rights are respected, learned from and celebrated.”
“Events such as these are small but important steps, they continue to move us forward for a better future together,” she said.