A powerful spirit of harmony and healing was front and centre of National Reconciliation Week celebrations in Horsham last week, as Wotjobaluk Nations peoples and community organisations came together to commit towards reconciliation in practical and lasting ways.
The All In for Reconciliation event at Horsham Town Hall on Thursday created a meaningful space where First Nations voices, knowledge and culture were recognised, respected and celebrated.
Commitments to reconciliation were shared on Commitment Boards both in the lead-up to the event and throughout the morning, with organisations and individuals adding their pledges in person at Horsham Town Hall.
Among those declaring they were All In for Reconciliation were Horsham Neighbourhood House, Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN, Women's Health Grampians, The Orange Door, Longerenong College, Ambulance Victoria, Uniting Vic.Tas, Grampians Community Health, Wimmera Southern Mallee Development, Victoria Legal Aid, Skillinvest, Farm Frites, Federation University, CVGT Employment, YMCA, Allied Justice, ACT Natimuk, VicPol, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Horsham Rural City Council, which hosted the event.
The audience was welcomed by Kiesha McDonald from the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, who also presented a Welcome to Country.
Mayor Brian Klowss said All In for Reconciliation was a challenge, but a hopeful one.
"Reconciliation is not something that happens by chance. It happens when we all choose to be part of it," said Cr Klowss.
"For me, being "all in" means showing up in everyday ways. It means celebrating culture in our schools, respecting traditions in our workplaces, and making space in our hearts and our communities for voices that too often go unheard.
"Let's commit - not just for a week, but for every day - to be honest, to be courageous, and to be open."
Horsham Rural City Council CEO Gail Gatt said the event was an opportunity to continue walking forward together with respect and shared purpose, and for people within our organisations and communities.to move beyond words into meaningful action.
"We'll focus on building trust, creating more opportunities, and making sure Aboriginal people are involved in decisions that matter," said Ms Gatt.
"We want to support better outcomes in areas like jobs, health, and wellbeing, but we know that only happens through real partnership, not by acting alone. It's about doing the work, together, in a way that feels respectful, genuine, and lasting."
Many attendees also wrote individual pledges that were displayed around the room, to take action, to learn, and to support reconciliation.
National Reconciliation Week is from 27 May to 3 June.
