This week we're recognising the importance of Reconciliation Week and our commitment to strengthen respectful relationships between local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and our broader community.
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Reconciliation Australia, with the week's theme More than a word. Reconciliation takes action focusing on the importance of the movement towards braver and more impactful achievements.
National Reconciliation Week runs from the 27 May - 3 June each year. These start and finish dates observe two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. National Sorry Day precedes Reconciliation Week, taking place on 26 May.
Council has been working in partnership with its Aboriginal Reference Group members and community to develop our own Reconciliation Action Plan as our contribution to strengthening shared histories, cultures and connections with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
"The policies we have in place such as our Aboriginal Engagement framework and Welcome to and Acknowledgement of Country Protocol, are some of the ways we are continuing to change and develop within Council,'' Wollongong Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
"This year we held a two-day Reconciliation Conference in April. The successful event brought together early childhood educators and their support organisations to meet with Elders to seek a deeper understanding of reconciliation."
