City Hall is set to be transformed next week by special projections as part of planned activities marking National Reconciliation Week (Tuesday 27 May – Tuesday 3 June).
National Reconciliation Week provides all Australians with the opportunity to learn about our shared histories, Cultures and achievements, and consider how we can contribute to achieving Reconciliation in Australia. This year's theme - Bridging Now to Next - calls on us to step forward together, guided by past lessons.
The City of Greater Geelong recognises the significant contribution of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in shaping our cultural identity.
Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to reflect, reaffirm our commitments to the Reconciliation movement and the steps we take in partnership with First Nations community in achieving Reconciliation outcomes. Our bold and innovative projections celebrate continuing connection and care for Country while speaking to the theme's reflection of the ongoing relationship between past, present and future.
Running throughout Reconciliation Week from dusk to midnight, the program features work from local First Nations artists: Nikki McKenzie (Wadawurrung), Chloe Chatterton (Wadawurrung), Jenna Oldaker (Wadawurrung), Joshua James (Noongar Wardandi Boodja Moorditj Kaadadjan), Jessi Muir (Wiradjuri), Michelle Searle (Awabakal), and Kiri Tawhai (Whadjuk Noongar, Ngapuhi and Ngati Tuwharetoa).
In addition to the projections, the City's catenary lights at the intersection of Malop and Moorabool streets will fade to black, red and yellow each evening, reflecting the colours of the Aboriginal flag, and then green, blue, black and white, reflecting the Torres Strait flag.
Join proud Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles for a meaningful Smoking Ceremony and Walk on Country Ceremony at the Carousel on Wednesday 28 May. Participants will be guided through this powerful cultural experience, fostering understanding, respect, and unity. Bookings recommended.
We're excited to announce during Reconciliation Week the chance for community to participate in Cultural Education experiences through On-Country tours in Geelong this June and July. Hosted by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, these facilitated walks led by a Traditional Owner will showcase Heritage Sites, Art and Cultural Landmarks with Storytelling and Truth Telling. The tours are free and will also include light refreshments. Bookings are essential:
- Thursday 19 June, 2 - 4 pm & Wednesday 16 July, 2 – 4 pm : Start at Wadawurrung Corporation Geelong office, Johnstone Park, Djilang City, Corio Bay Wangim Walk and Geelong Wool Museum
- Monday 30 June, 12 – 3 pm & Monday 7 July, 12 – 3 pm : Start at Wurriki Nyal civic precinct, Buckley Falls and Moorabool River/Dogs Rock
Acclaimed Arrernte artist Jasmine-Skye Marinos will lead a family friendly Museum Explorers session at the National Wool Museum that explores the continuous connection between the past, present, and future through Storytelling, music, and craft activities.
The City is proud to financially support the Reconciliation in the Park event which brings together local Aboriginal community members and organisations through Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group. On Sunday 25 May, this annual event at Johnstone Park will feature music, food and markets.
Our Yarra Street Window Gallery will present a powerful First Peoples Exhibition showcasing the work of 12 First Nations artists, launching in Reconciliation Week and running until Monday 25 August. This vibrant display celebrates Culture, Connection to Country, and Storytelling through diverse mediums, offering a window into the strength and creativity of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices. Open 24/7 on Yarra Street (Market Square building) between Malop and Little Malop streets.
National Sorry Day falls on the day before Reconciliation Week (Monday 26 May) and commemorates the Stolen Generations who were forcibly removed from their families as children between the 1800s - 1970s. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags will fly at half-mast at City Hall to mark this day of mourning before flying at full mast for the duration of Reconciliation Week.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Council wants to put Reconciliation at the forefront of the community's mind.Our region has great historic and cultural diversity and the range of activities on offer provide opportunities for the wider community to engage in dialogue about this year's theme - Bridging Now to Next.
National Reconciliation Week calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
Awabakal artist Michelle Searle
The City Hall projections aere an amazing opportunity to showcase artists from across the lands, as they have all travelled different journeys and come from various places.This diversity is reflected in our unique styles and artwork. My art reflects me and my journey.
Reconciliation Week is a time for us all to reflect on where we have come from and acknowledge the cultural history of not only our beautiful Wathaurong lands but the lands of many nations across Australia.
As a proud Aboriginal woman, I want to share my stories and art to spark conversation in a positive light on our Culture.
Nyatne baa Gobata (Take care and Thank you).
There are a number of ways the City is working towards Reconciliation all year round through programming and partnerships.
We are a proud member of the Geelong Aboriginal Employment Taskforce, a collaborative alliance dedicated to advancing employment outcomes, culturally safe workplaces, career advancement and training opportunities for First Nations People across Geelong.
The National Wool Museum's strong relationship with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and First Nations community has positively influenced the expansion of our collection and commissioning of significant artworks and stories. Our award winning On The Land: Our Story Retold exhibition, Djillong Possum Skin Cloak Project with Tammy Gilson (Wadawurrung) and the shortlisting of First Nations creatives in We The Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize reflect the strength of creativity and Storytelling in our region. Last year, the Museum acquired 'House of Gold– Chapter 6' photographic work by Dr Christian Thompson AO (Bidjara), who references the pose of an exhausted shearer after a long day of labour, set within the National Wool Museum.
We're drafting our Geelong Heritage Strategy 2025-2035 that will recognise a broader range of Heritage in our region, with one of the goals being improved recognition and celebration of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and First Nations Heritage. Our Public Art Strategy 2025 will aim to develop a clear direction for public art in the region that better showcases our cultural heritage and identity. Wadawurrung Traditional Owners have helped to shape our public spaces with a First Nations lens.
We have a Memorandum of Understanding with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative to backfill Maternal Child Health staff at the co-op during leave and share information about contemporary practice in this space.
The City is committed to cultural safety and culturally appropriate recruitment and retention processes for First Nations employees. Our Enterprise Bargaining Agreement includes paid cultural leave, community volunteering leave, Sorry Business (bereavement) leave and mentoring. We also provide cultural walks for new staff of all backgrounds. These are important steps as we prepare for the next phase of the Reconciliation journey.
