Surf Coast Shire Council has taken another step on its reconciliation journey, adding National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week to the events calendar.
The Council Events Calendar 2022 – adopted at the December meeting – recognises campaigns and causes that align with Council objectives. With Surf Coast Shire Council committed to First Nations Reconciliation, the inclusion of National Sorry Day (26 May) and National Reconciliation Week (26 May to 3 June) was welcomed by Mayor Libby Stapleton.
"As a Council we've pledged to walk together and work together with traditional custodians of the land and water while growing our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture," she said.
"Adding these two events to our annual calendar is going to offer an opportunity for the community to learn and better understand our Traditional Owners. It will also recognise the past hurt, grief and suffering experienced by First Nations people. It's one step we can take on our long journey to reconciliation, both at a local and national level."
Other events on the calendar are International Women's Day (8 March), National Volunteer Week (16 to 22 May) and Barwon Month of Action – Prevention of Violence Against Women (November).
The calendar also includes National Youth Week (April), International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia Day (IDAHOBIT) (17 May), NAIDOC Week (3 to 10 July), Seniors Festival, Children's Week (October) and International Day of People with Disability (3 December).
"During the development of the Council Plan, we heard what was important to the community," Mayor Stapleton said. "Each of the events on the 2022 calendar links in with the Council Plan, so we know we're delivering events that will be meaningful for people of all ages and abilities. Some will be a time to reflect and some will be a time to celebrate. Importantly, they are going to bring people together to make the Surf Coast a better place."
While the Events Calendar 2022 is based on Council-run events that raise awareness, Council also plays a key role in supporting events across the shire. From markets and music concerts; to swims, surfing and sheep dog trials – the new Surf Coast Events website lists the huge range of events on offer. Visit surfcoastevents.com.au for details.
