Council marks Reconciliation Week

Published on 29 May 2023

Benalla Rural City Council in partnership with local members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, have been attending FCJ College to educate students about First Nations culture. These sessions are part of National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to the 3 June with this year’s theme – Be a Voice for Generations - Act Today for a Reconciled Tomorrow.

Winton Wetlands Koorie Cultural Officer and proud Yorta Yorta woman Nikki James, together with Jane Archbold from Benalla Rural City Council visited the school to discuss what reconciliation means to the students.

Benalla Rural City Council Mayor Bernie Hearn said it was important to acknowledge the First Nations culture of our region by sharing this knowledge with students at FCJ during National Reconciliation Week.

“The sessions held at FCJ last week and during National Reconciliation Week were a fantastic way for students to learn about Yorta Yorta culture from the very passionate and very knowledgeable Nikki James,” Cr Hearn said.

“Council has also registered with Reconciliation Australia to begin working on the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan. This will involve undertaking a number of staff and community workshops as we continue to grow and learn.

“Our staff in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group have started planning for NAIDOC Week celebrations, coming up in the first week of July.”

The main NAIDOC Week celebration will be held on Tuesday 4 July commencing with a flag raising at the Civic Centre and a smoking ceremony, activities and displays at the Town Hall.

The theme for this year’s NAIDOC week is For Our Elders and is an opportunity for the whole community to come together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.