Celebrate National Reconciliation Week on Redlands Coast

Music, dance, art and culture will be on display at Redlands Coast events held during National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June 2024.

Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said the week was an opportunity to recognise and appreciate the social, cultural and spiritual importance of the Quandamooka People, who have lived in this area for at least 21,000 years.

“I know Council is committed to growing awareness and knowledge of the Quandamooka People in particular and, more generally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture,” she said.

“This is reflected in the events and activities being held this year, including a dance and didgeridoo session with Matt Burns, and an exhibition by mother and daughter artists Sonja and Elisa Jane Carmichael that draws on Quandamooka stories and connection to Country.”

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024 is ‘Now More than Ever’.

“Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and a nation,” the Mayor said.

“We need to ensure we find tangible ways to make a difference in regards to reconciliation in our day-to-day lives, in our homes, our workplaces and in our communities.

“During National Reconciliation Week, I encourage everyone to consider what actions they can take on that journey as they connect with and enjoy local cultural opportunities.”

Redland City Council endorsed an internal Reconciliation Action Plan in mid-2019 and committed to actions that could be achieved on the journey to reconciliation.

“Some of these commitments are visible in the community,” the Mayor said.

“For example, selected Council fleet vehicles have been wrapped with the Reconciliation Action Plan artwork and relevant key messages, and Indigenous design has been incorporated into Council’s corporate uniform and merchandise suite.

“Other actions include the implementation of employee cultural awareness training, encouraging all Council employees to start meetings with Acknowledgement of Country as standard meeting procedure, and the dual-naming of 10 Council meeting rooms to include the Jandai language.”

Council is preparing for the next step in its reconciliation journey with the establishment of a committee of stakeholders who are working towards forming an external Reconciliation Action Plan for Redlands Coast.

Council events held during National Reconciliation Week 2024 include:

Monday 27 May – Quandamooka Dance and Didgeridoo with Matt Burns at Cleveland Library, 9.30am-10am. This free event is aimed at children up to eight years. Bookings are essential. Visit Council’s What’s On Calendar.Until Tuesday 4 June – Create Exchange: Ngumpi exhibition at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland. As part of the exhibition there are free drop-in Weave it Forward sessions at the gallery on Tuesday 28 May and 4 June. For more information, visit the Gallery’s website.Saturday 1 June – Atlas Studio presents a First Nation Showcase with Chris Tamwoy and SOLCHLD at Redland Performing Arts Centre at 7.30pm. Immerse yourself in an evening of music, culture and unity. Bookings are available online at rpac.com.au or by calling RPAC on 3829 8131.

Redland City Council provides a suite of services to 166,873 residents and more than 63,000 residential households across Redlands Coast. Our naturally wonderful city on Quandamooka Country is home to more than 335 kilometres of coastline, six inhabited islands and 12 mainland suburbs.