Be brave and make change this National Reconciliation Week
Published on 18 May 2022
Each year, National Reconciliation Week is held from 27 May – 3 June.
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
This year’s theme “Be Brave. Make Change” is a call to all Australians to Be Brave and to engage and participate in reconciliation, so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
Please join us at the following events throughout National Reconciliation Week:
Opening of National Reconciliation Week
Tuesday 31 May, 5.40pm
Rosebud Shire Offices (90 Besgrove Street)
National Reconciliation Week will be opened with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country.
Arts exhibition
From 27 May to 10 July, a mini exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art will be available at the Rosebud Council Chambers (90 Besgrove Street). The exhibition will feature works from the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and the Shire’s Civic Collection.
Libraries
When visiting our Libraries you will be able to see indigenous themed displays and recommended reading lists.
In 2020, our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the lead body for reconciliation in Australia. This official approval puts the Shire among dedicated organisations who have formally committed to the reconciliation journey.
Since developing our RAP, the Shire has achieved a number of important actions, including:
- Renaming of Blacks Camp Road, kindergarten and reserve to Worwong Avenue, Tillerkite Pre-School, and Beek Beek Reserve.
- Engaging with Traditional Owners to formally incorporate cultural values into our new Coastal and Marine Management Plans for Portsea, Flinders and Mount Eliza.
- Working with Trust for Nature and Holmesglen TAFE to provide experiences on Country across a large number of Shire bushland reserves for the Indigenous Conservation and Land Management Course.
- Providing Maternal Child Health cultural welcome packs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identifying families
To view our current Reconciliation Action Plan visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/RAP
To learn more about National Reconciliation Week head to: nrw.reconciliation.org.au
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh:
“Mornington Peninsula Shire is committed to reconciliation and has demonstrated a movement towards more impactful actions.
“We’re proud to be working with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to support meaningful social, cultural and economic outcomes. We know to do this, strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities must be at the heart of our work.
“Our Reconciliation Action Plan is currently being renewed for 2023 - 2025. Through assessing and reflecting on the strategies, actions and outcomes, we will gain some valuable insights and learnings so we can progress on our reconciliation journey.”
Quotes attributable to Inter Council Aboriginal Consultative Committee member and Deputy Mayor Councillor Lisa Dixon:
“We recognise that strong, respectful and enduring relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is central to progressing reconciliation. The Shire is committed to listening to and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to build proactive and productive relationships on the pathway to reconciliation.”