The community event will be held at Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton on the grassed area near Sobraon Street and will feature free food, traditional games, an artefact display, music, dancers, activities, community connection and more.

The event is being hosted as part of National Reconciliation Week which ran from Saturday 27 May to Saturday 3 June 2023. Reconciliation Australia’s theme this year is “Be a Voice for Generations” calling on all Australians to act today to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation.

Many local organisations will be involved in the community event, including the Academy of Sport, Health and Education, Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative, Headspace, Uniting, River Connect, GOTAFE, Berry Street Youth Foyer and Point of Difference Studio. Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said Council was pleased to be partnering with these local organisations to bring the event to life.

“It is always great when Council can collaborate with other community organisations on events which can be enjoyed by all residents. While this event is one for everyone to attend and take part in, it also shares an important message about reconciliation and the way forward,” he said.

The Bridge Youth Service CEO, Melinda Lawley, said the event was a positive step towards continuing on the region’s reconciliation journey.

“Collectively we want to show that we are committed to being a voice for reconciliation, to being allies and taking a stand against racism, injustice and inequity. We respect and acknowledge the 65,000 plus years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, stories and achievements. Voices today for meaningful change tomorrow,” she said.

To find out more about the Greater Shepparton Reconciliation Community Event, visit the Facebook event page.