A sold-out crowd heard powerful truth-telling, personal reflections and spellbinding performance at the Yarra Ranges Council 2026 Reconciliation Week event.
More than 150 students from local schools, including Worawa Aboriginal College, Badger Creek Primary School, Healesville High School, Upper Yarra Secondary College and Cire Community School joined community members at The Memo Healesville for this year's event, which featured a performance from First Nations rapper, dancer and artist, Baker Boy.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Richard Higgins, said the event was a space for listening, learning, reflection and celebration.
"Every year, we at Council are proud to host an event for National Reconciliation Week, continuing the work we've been doing for many years to move towards Reconciliation and support First Nations people," Cr Higgins said.
"We were the first level of government to make a formal apology to the Stolen Generation, and we have a passionate team of experts who have developed strong, respectful and productive relationships with local First Nations groups for more than 20 years.
"This event is a chance for community members to hear more about First Nations history, cultures, stories, and the important steps we need to take next.
"This year's theme, All In, is a call to action. A call for every Australian to actively commit to reconciliation. It's a reminder that progress isn't something that happens in the background, or something we can leave to others.
"Listening matters, being open to learning matters, and that's how we make a start.
"There was powerful truth-telling, deep listening and moments that stopped us all in our tracks. We walked away reminded that Reconciliation isn't a word, it's something we share, something we feel, and something we have a collective responsibility to achieve."
Attendees heard from Darug man and professional Yidaki/Didgeridoo player Kiernan Ironfield, a panel discussion on treaty and truth telling, a comedy set from Sean Choolburra and a personal reflection from Council CEO Tammi Rose, which was followed by a performance from Baker Boy that had the audience on their feet and singing.
Audience members commented that the day was "an unforgettable experience," and a day "filled with learning, celebration, culture and connection."
