Published on Wednesday, 24 May 2023 at 4:08:45 PM
When: 10.00am Friday 2 June 2023
Walk: Merenj Boodja Bush Garden, corner Queen Street and Marine Terrace, Busselton to the Youth and Community Activities Building, Busselton Foreshore.
National Reconciliation Week commences on 27 May and runs through to 3 June each year. Members of the public are invited to join the City in its second National Reconciliation Week Walk taking place on Friday, 2 June 2023 at 10.00am.
Elders, Aboriginal community members, schools, community groups and businesses will also join the walk. Hear from well-known Elders Gloria Hill and Bill Webb. Elder Bill Webb will speak about culture and reconciliation. Mr Webb said, “Reconciliation has always been there and it is up to the individual to work together with the Aboriginal community. I look forward to walking with community members and having a yarn.”
The walk will be led by Elder Gloria Hill - starting at the Merenj Boodja Bush Garden located on the corner of Queen Street and Marine Terrace Busselton, where it will head to the Busselton Foreshore, finishing at the Youth and Community Activities Building (YCAB).
Following the walk, a light lunch will be kindly provided by local Aboriginal business, Pindari and the City of Busselton. For catering purposes, please register via Eventbrite; email jacquie.happ@busselton.wa.gov.au or phone 08 9781 0335.
The National Reconciliation Week Walk was recommended by local Elders during the development of the City’s Reconciliation Action Plan. Deputy Mayor Paul Carter said, “The City continues to work at building respectful relationships with the Aboriginal community. This is across a range of projects and through our schools.”
“This year the theme for National Reconciliation Week is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’, encouraging Australians to keep up the momentum for change. We hope the walk will signify the momentum towards a reconciled country for all. The walk is also a great way to share histories and cultures.”
In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first National Reconciliation Week. In 2001, Reconciliation Australia was established to continue to provide national leadership on reconciliation. In the same year, approximately 300,000 people walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of National Reconciliation Week and subsequently, across bridges in cities and towns to show their support for reconciliation.
Today, National Reconciliation Week is celebrated in workplaces, schools and early learning services, community organisations and groups, as well as by individuals Australia-wide.
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (2021 - 2031) Key Themes Lifestyle: A place that is relaxed, safe and friendly with services and facilities that support our lifestyle.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
Photo for general use: 2022 Inaugural National Reconciliation Week Walk.
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