May Reconciliation News
Special #NRW2018 Edition
Don’t Keep History a Mystery!
It’s less than a month to National Reconciliation Week 2018! This years’ theme – Don’t Keep History a Mystery – shines a light on stories from our past that have been in the shadows for too long. Stories of survival, resistance, courage and achievement that we must listen to if Australia is to embrace the truth, healing and justice that is needed to bring us together.
This dimension of reconciliation, described as “Historical Acceptance”, requires Australians to acknowledge the injustices of the past and their impacts, both historical and contemporary, and make amends for past wrongs. According to Reconciliation Australia’s latest Barometer many non-Indigenous Australians do not accept that historical injustices occurred nor see a link between these events and the disadvantage experienced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today.
This year, National Reconciliation Week invites Australians to Learn, Share, Grow – by exploring our past, learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and cultures and developing a deeper understanding of our national story.
Reconciliation is everybody’s business, so we invite everyone to get involved, by organising or attending an event or activity. Last year there were around 145 events around Victoria. For event and activity ideas visit our NRW webpage and to find an event near you visit the Reconciliation Australia NRW Calendar.
Our flagship event for NRW will be the HART Awards Presentation Ceremony, which will showcase the exciting work being done by community organisations and local councils to advance reconciliation.
Read also below event details for National Sorry Day, held on Saturday 26th May.
May promises to be a big month for a couple of other reasons. The Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Bill 2018 – designed to be the road map to treaty negotiations – will be debated in Parliament this month. And we will be launching our exciting, new-look website – keep an eye on our Facebook page for the announcement.
We hope to see you out and about at an event during National Reconciliation Week.
~ The RecVic team |
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Find out how you can get involved in #NRW2018: Visit our website
NRW Volunteer opportunities:
1. We’re looking for volunteers to help us out at the Reconciliation Victoria & Australia stall at the Long Walk Festival on Saturday 2 June, at Federation Square – please email the office for details
2. The Long Walk organisers are seeking volunteers to help with Registrations, Merchandise, Course Marshalls, Event Support and Start Line Assistants starting. Email
shane@perfectevents.com.au and register here
3. The Koorie Heritage Trust are seeking volunteers for:
- Marngrook demonstration at the Long Walk Festival on Sat 2 June
- Mabo Day Family Concert at Federation Square on Sunday 3 June (set up from 11am and/or meet & greet 1:30 – 4pm)
Email Jade Hadfield at the Trust with which event you’d like to
volunteer. |
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| We have listed a small sample of Victorian NRW events below. For a full listing of events visit Reconciliation Australia’s Online NRW Calendar |
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Aboriginal Design and Technology
Aboriginal technology, in the form of stringy bark canoes, was essential to Victoria’s development during the 19th century. Stringy bark canoe technology was used extensively by Aboriginal people across Australia, including the local Wadawurrung people, to save people from flooded rivers, deliver vital food supplies, herd livestock and even to transport a piano across swollen rivers and creeks!
Saturday 26 May
Fireside chat: 10am – 4pm
Lectures: 11am and 3pm
Alfred Deakin Place, Camp Street, Ballarat
Free event |
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Aboriginal Fire Technology
“It’s a practice that our old people used before European contact.
It’s the way we managed the land, and it’s the way we used fire as a tool to provide for ourselves, to provide for our habitat as well that
we live in.”
Trent Nelson, a Dja Dja Wurrung man and Parks Victoria ranger, has played a key role in a burn recently undertaken just north of Bendigo, in central Victoria.
Join Trent and Dr Fred Cahir, Federation University Australia, for an intimate lecture and conversation exploring Aboriginal heroes of Fire. Settle in with a Bushfood cocktail and discover the facts, the stories and the legendary examples of Aboriginal fire technology in Victoria.
Sunday 27 May
Session 1: 12 noon – 1.30pm
Session 2: 3pm – 4pm
The Lost Ones Basement Bar, 14 Camp Street, Ballarat
Free event |
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Aboriginal Astronomy
Hear from astrophysics student, Krystal De Napoli, as she shares the ways Indigenous Australians encode scientific information in their traditions and how this knowledge is passed to successive generations. Features videos of dances, songs and interviews with Elders.
Thursday 31 May
6.30pm – 8pm
Ballarat Library, 1778 Doveton Street North, Ballarat
This is a free community event, but you must register here
Find out more about Rethinking the Australian Legend |
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Wednesday 16 May – Sunday 3 June
Official opening – Saturday 19 May, 2pm. All welcome.
Closing Tea Party – Sunday 3 June, 3pm
Open: Wed – Sun, 12-4pm.
The Highway Gallery, 14 The Highway, Mt Waverley. |
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| An evening with Shokoofeh Azar, Claire Coleman and Alexis Wright – shortlisted writers for the Stella Prize
Claire G. Coleman’s Terra Nullius is an arresting and original novel that addresses the legacy of Australia’s violent colonial history.
Alexis Wright’s collective memoir Tracker documents the life of Tracker Tilmouth, charismatic Aboriginal leader, thinker, entrepreneur, visionary and provocateur.
Shokoofeh Azar’s powerful novel, The Engagement of the Greengage Tree is a magical book set in the political wilds of Iran.
Tuesday 22 May, 6.30 – 8pm.
Eltham Library, Panther Place, Eltham
Prepaid bookings are essential. More information |
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13th Annual Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service 2018
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| Thursday 31 May
In the spirit of reconciliation, The Hon Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Committee cordially invite you to attend the 13th annual Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service.
You are welcome to lay a wreath or a poppy at the conclusion of the service.
11am – 12 noon, Shrine of Remembrance Forecourt, Eternal Flame, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
Register here Phone 1800 762 003 Enquiries |
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| Join Michael Long for “The Long Walk 2018” on Saturday 2nd June at Federation Square in Melbourne. Festival starts 2pm.
Artists: Soul Chic, Russell Robertson/Phil Ceberano, Black Fire, Birdz, Hip Hop Projects
Those who purchase Dreamtime Walker Experience package will be given the amazing opportunity to walk onto the MCG arena and be part of the pre-game entertainment! This will, of course, precede the traditional Dreamtime at the ‘G game between highly fancied Essendon Bombers and reigning premiers Richmond Tigers, a memory to truly cherish!
Find out more |
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| Saturday June 2
Celebrating 40 years in Music for Bart Willoughby featuring special guests Shauntai Batzke, Phil Bywater, Tjimba Possum Burns, John Miller, Fadil Suna and Sermsah Suri Bin Saad.
Join Bart Willoughby and guests in the historic Fitzroy Town Hall for a night celebrating his most recent musical compositions and an unnerving 40 years of dedication to his music and his country in the spirit of Reconciliation accompanied by a culturally diverse array of collaborators.
Fitzroy Town Hall, Napier Street, Fitzroy
Doors open 7pm, show starts 7.30pm
Buy tickets |
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| The Koorie Heritage Trust and Federation Square invite you to come together and celebrate Mabo Day with the Torres Strait Island and Aboriginal communities of Victoria, to commemorate the anniversary of the Mabo Decision.
Performances by the acclaimed Torres Strait Island dance troupe, Gerib Sik and Luke Captain and Monica Weightman. Hosted by Lisa Maza.
Sunday 3 June, 2pm – 4pm
Deakin Edge, Federation Square.
FREE EVENT More info |
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| The walk commences at 11am and takes about 30 minutes from Pelican Park on the Hastings foreshore and ends at the Gathering Place, concluding with a Welcome to Country, speeches and a performance by Mullum Mullum choir followed by a BBQ.
Please wear Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colours and bring flags and banners with a reconciliation message. This event is free and open to everyone.
Further information: 5979 1391 or 0403 528 034. Register your interest on the FB event to help with catering. |
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Victorian Reconciliation Network Regional Forum and Tour on Wurundjeri Country
The two-day residential forum, hosted by Reconciliation Victoria on the weekend of 14-15 April, was based near Corranderrk in Healesville, and toured to visit important cultural sites, commencing at Dights Falls on the Birrarung in Abbotsford.
In what was a wonderful and inspiring weekend, Elders of the Wurundjeri Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council Aboriginal Corporation, Uncle Bill Nicholson and Uncle Dave Wandin, generously shared their deep knowledge of culture, history and practice relating to the clans and lands of the Woi wurrung language group. Read more |
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| We are very excited once again by the outstanding quality of the nominations for the 2018 HART Awards.
The finalists will be announced on our website and on Facebook on 3 May.
The HART Awards will be presented at an event in Melbourne on Friday 1 June 2018, during National Reconciliation Week. |
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Victorian Treaty Update
In a historic event for Victoria, the first ever piece of treaty legislation in Australia had its second reading in Parliament in late March.
The Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Bill 2018 will be the road map to treaty negotiations. The Bill will be debated in Parliament this month. For more information visit Aboriginal Victoria’s website
The Aboriginal Treaty Working Group officially handed over its final report to the Victorian Treaty Advancement Commission on 7 March, delivering key recommendations on the design of the Aboriginal Representative Body. View the Final Report
The Commission has completed the first in a state-wide series of regional roadshows to share information about the journey towards Treaty/ies and hear views from Aboriginal communities. The Commission is tasked with providing a report to Government in June 2019 on the establishment of the Aboriginal Representative Body.
The Victorian Greens have launched a Treaty Now campaign for Clans-based treaties and will be proposing some amendments to the Treaty legislation. An upcoming Talkin’ Treaty forum will discuss outcomes from the recent Clan Elders Council Treaty Gathering, at Northcote Town Hall, 6pm Tuesday May 15th. |
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Welcome Budget Support for
Self-Determination
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| Reconciliation Victoria welcomes the Victorian Government’s recent budget announcements supporting self-determination.The Victorian Budget 2018/19 will invest $116 million to support self-determination, celebrate culture and improve the lives of Aboriginal Victorians across the state. The Budget will provide $9 million to establish the elected Aboriginal Representative Body and advance Treaty. Read more |
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2018 Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll – nominations open til 27 May
The Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll recognises the achievements of inspirational Aboriginal people who have made an important contribution to their community and the state of Victoria.
Honour Roll Roadshow
The Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll Roadshow 2018 has officially begun, sharing the stories of Aboriginal leaders both past and present across Victoria, while on the look-out for this year’s inductees. The Honour Roll Roadshow will visit Frankston and Heywood to call for nominations and share the inspirational stories of previous Honour Roll Inductees.
More information on Roadshow and nomination process |
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Good and bad news in Electoral Commission recommendations
The AEC’s draft redistribution report, released last month, recommended against a change to the name of the Batman electorate in Melbourne’s inner-north, despite a number of submissions supporting a name change to Simon Wonga from the Wurundjeri Council, the Darebin Council, Reconciliation Victoria, and others.
The AEC did recommend removing the name McMillan from the South Gippsland electorate, but chose Monash over the Aboriginal names put forward. On a more positive note, the electorate of Murray will become Nicholls in honour of Sir Douglas Ralph Nicholls and Lady Gladys Nicholls. Read more
There is still an opportunity to provide feedback to the Redistribution Committee’s recommendations. Anyone can object and objections must be lodged by close of business on Friday, 4 May 2018.
Find out how to make an objection. Read Darebin Council’s position on why the name of Batman should not be retained. |
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| The Victorian Government has appointed respected reconciliation advocate Justin Mohamed as the state’s new Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People.
A Gooreng Gooreng man from Bundaberg in Queensland, Mr Mohamed has spent much of his career working in the Aboriginal health and sport sectors, improving outcomes and connections to culture for Aboriginal people, including children.
He is a leader in reconciliation, having served as the CEO of Reconciliation Australia for three years until 2017, and was most recently the CEO of Equity Health Solutions. Read more |
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Dja Dja Wurrung to share in management of parks and reserves
A project, decades in the making, is coming to fruition with the release of the draft plan that will see the Dja Dja Wurrung people and the state government share management of parks and reserves in the region.
The joint management plan, released in mid-April, aims to empower the Dja Dja Wurrung community to manage six parks and reserves in central Victoria in co-operation with the state government. Read more |
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Talks advance with Wotjobaluk Peoples on Recognition and Settlement Agreement
Negotiations are advancing between the Andrews Government and the Wotjobaluk Peoples to create a new Recognition and Settlement Agreement for Traditional Owners in the state’s west.
The negotiating team comprises representatives from the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Peoples. The area under negotiation includes land north of the Grampians, stretching to Navarre in the east, the South Australian border in the west, and Ouyen in the north. Read more |
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| The national Closing the Gap agenda and the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework are being updated this year.
What should stay the same and what should be different?
Visit here for Information about a forum near you, to make a submission, or complete the survey. |
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Port Phillip Reconciliation
Writing Competition
Don’t Keep History A Mystery
The Reconciliation Writing Competition 2018, organised by Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation, is open to all Victorians to explore ideas about our past and our connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, and to develop a deeper understanding of our national story. All styles of writing are encouraged including fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Work must be original.
Download Flyer for all the details. |
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Reconciliation Manningham’s Jim Poulter honoured
Manningham Council has paid tribute to social advocate, Dr Jim Poulter, by presenting him the Key to the City at its April Council meeting. |
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| Dr Jim Poulter was nominated for his contribution to Reconciliation Manningham and as a member of the Manningham University of the Third Age (U3A).
Manningham Mayor Cr Andrew Conlon said: “Jim has made a significant contribution to the reconciliation movement, working closely with Aboriginal Elders and organisations in producing educational materials on Aboriginal history and cultural practices.”
“We are honouring his lifetime of service to our City and State. He has published 25 books and sold more than 70,000 copies over 30 years.” |
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Support the Uluru Statement
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| At the Uluru First Nations Constitutional Convention, the Uluru Position Working Group was elected to move forward the reforms called for in the Uluru Statement. The Working Group calls on all Australians to take the time to read the Statement, to understand its history, and then walk with them in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.
Sign up and add your voice to those of other Australians who have supported the reforms in the Uluru Statement.
Find out more and sign here |
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New Indigenous recognition committee invites submissions
A new joint parliamentary committee investigating recognising Indigenous Australians in the Constitution met for the first time in late March.In a joint statement, the Co-Chairs, Labor Senator Pat Dodson and Liberal MP Julian Leeser, said the committee is looking for ‘common ground’ and a way forward on Indigenous recognition.
“We hope to hear from Australians about the next steps for recognition of First Nations peoples,” they said. Read more
Submissions from the public have been invited by the Joint Select Committee before 11 June 2018. Should you wish to make a submission you can view the Committee’s terms of reference here.
Also see General guidance on making a submission to a parliamentary inquiry
The Melbourne University Law School has put together this Uluru Statement from the Heart: Information Booklet to help with submission writing. |
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| Are you an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation that puts culture at the heart of your governance? Is your organisation creative and effective? Does it show real leadership? |
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Then show your true colours, and apply for the
Indigenous Governance Awards 2018
The Awards recognise the most innovative and effective Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, projects and initiatives from around the country, and showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people determining and driving change. Applications close Saturday, June 30. Apply now |
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| From left: Emma Donovan, Jessie Lloyd, Deline Briscoe and Jessica Hitchcock
“Mission Songs Project presents contemporary folk songs that continue the ancient longlines of this country. The songs speak of the daily lives of the First Peoples who were relocated from their traditional homelands to the missions. There are some well-known songs and also hidden gems that have been uncovered.” Archie Roach AM
Friday 4 May
7pm, Rumbalara Football Netball Club, 20 Mercury Drive, Shepparton
Bookings |
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Mission Song Project’s CD
The Songs Back Home
is available
NOW!
Buy online or at all good music suppliers |
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Sunday 6 May
5pm, Hamer Hall, St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Archie Roach is thrilled to announce that award winning trio Tiddas will be reforming to join him on a national tour this May and June, to celebrate the release of his recently unearthed album Dancing With My Spirit. It’s been nearly 20 years since the women of Tiddas – Amy Saunders, Lou Bennett and Sally Dastey – have performed on stage together, so the tour will be a very special event.
Tickets and information |
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The Gnarrwirring Ngitj Lecture
The Sovereign Hill Museums Association
Saturday 26 May |
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| Professor Ian D. Clark from Federation University will present the 2018 Gnarrwirring Ngitj / Learning Together Lecture on National Sorry Day.
Titled ‘Of One Blood – An Appreciation of the life of Yarley Yarmin a.k.a. Johnny Phillips, the son of Bullip Bullip (King Billy of Ballarat), 1848-1901’, this lecture will challenge the ‘myth’ that Mullawallah (a.k.a. William Wilson) was the ‘last of the Ballarat tribe’, as well as showcase Yarley Yarmin’s extraordinary life.
4.00 – 5.30pm
Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw Street, Ballarat
Free event. Register here. |
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Yarra Stolen Generations Marker launch
The Mayor, Councillor Daniel Nguyen, and Councillors of the City of Yarra have great pleasure in inviting you to the launch of a new public artwork commemorating the Stolen Generations – Remember Me – by Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi artist Reko Rennie. It will be officially launched by Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Colin Hunter, on the 20th anniversary of National Sorry Day.
Includes ceremony, guest speakers and performances by Deborah Cheetham AO, Kutcha Edwards, Illana Atkinson, Djirri Djirri Dance Group, Jindi Worabak Dancers, Koori Youth Will Shake Spears Dance Group and Uncle Jack Charles.
3.00pm – 5:30pm, Saturday 26 May 2018
Atherton Gardens, corner Brunswick and Gertrude Streets, Fitzroy |
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Knox Sorry Day
Flag Raising Ceremony
Saturday 26 May
Knox City Council invites you to its annual flag raising and performance with special guests, Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place Choir and students from St John’s Primary School.
Special Guest Speaker: Aunty Daphne Milward
10.30am – 12 noon
Knox City Council, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South |
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| A weekend of art, music, performance, film, market stalls and activities celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Melbourne’s west, and from across the country.
Wominjeka Festival is something that brings all people together – a Ngargee from all places and all people.
Download the festival program here
Friday 25 May – Sunday 27 May 2018
Footscray Community Arts Centre, 45 Moreland Street, Footscray. |
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Which Way Home
Friday 25 May
Saturday 26 May
1pm and 8pm |
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| ILBIJERRI Theatre Company tells stories about what it means to be Indigenous in Australia today. Infused with humour and heart, Which Way Home draws on writer Katie Beckett’s own memories of growing up with her single Aboriginal father.
Footscray Community Arts Centre, Performance Space, 45 Moreland Street, Footscray
Full $35 / Concession $25 Bookings and information |
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| The Australian Heritage Festival is to focus on what makes a place special, encouraging us all to embrace the future by sharing the strengths of our cultural identities. See full program |
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| Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Gardens is a significant cultural site for the local Kulin people. Journey into their ancestral lands and explore their rich and thriving culture.
Daily except Saturdays
11am – 12.30pm, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, Victoria
Aboriginal Heritage Walks begin at the Visitor Centre, near O-Gate on Birdwood Avenue.
Information Book tickets |
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| Come along and enjoy gathering in the ANA hall to hear about the Dja Dja Wurrung who have inhabited this area for over 40,000 years. The talk will conclude with refreshments.
Sunday 20 May, 1.30 – 4pm.
7 High Street, Harcourt, Victoria
ANA Hall, situated in centre of town, just two minutes from exit off Calder Freeway
Information |
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| Edited by Anita Heiss, this a collection of truly diverse stories – sometimes surprising and funny, often confronting and always illuminating – that paint a rich and detailed picture of what it means to come of age as an Aboriginal Australian. How do the formative experiences of Aboriginal Australians shape their sense of self and their sense of community? And what experiences do Aboriginal kids across the country have in common – whether they’re in the city or the suburbs or in the most remote corners of the continent?
Contributors Celeste Liddle, Zachary Penrith-Puchalski and Anita Heiss will host a frank, funny and forthright discussion of formative years and life lessons.
Friday 1 June, 6.15 – 7.15pm.
The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. This is a free event, but bookings are essential.
Book your tickets More information |
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We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of Victoria.
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