In recognition of National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week, the City of Stonnington welcomed the community to the Malvern Town Hall to acknowledge the significant dates.
The event was held prior to the official dates on Thursday, 18 May to help take the pressure off Elders who are very busy during the national week.
National Sorry Day, 26 May, is a day to remember and acknowledge the hurt and damage caused in the past when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were forcibly removed from their families, communities and cultures.
National Reconciliation Week follows Sorry Day, and it is acknowledged each year from 27 May to 3 June.
Mayor Jami Klisaris said that National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation.
"Council's Reconciliation Action Plan formalises our commitment to working towards a future of mutual respect and harmony and acknowledges that inter-generational impacts of colonisation continue to disadvantage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today.
"Our Plan outlines our commitment to hosting events such as today's National Reconciliation Week event to raise community awareness and strengthen our connection to people and country," said Cr Klisaris.
Uncle Colin opened the event with a Welcome to Country, followed by a stirring and emotional performance by Kutcha Edwards.
Kutcha, a proud Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Nari Nari man, shared his story and his experience as a child of the Stolen Generation with the audience. Accompanied by a keyboard player and guitarist, Kutcha's warm voice filled the hall as he sang his truth.
Songs such as 'Singing on Country', 'Always been here', 'Mrs Edwards' and 'I know where I'm going', told the stories of his ancestors, his lost childhood and early years and his eventual reunion with his mother.
Through his songs, Kutcha invited us to listen and ask questions – join the conversation.
"Starting the conversation is like dropping an imaginary pebble in that imaginary pond," said Kutcha.
