National Reconciliation Week is being celebrated on 27 May – 3 June and Council is encouraging residents to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and traditions.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council is on Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country. These Traditional Owners and Custodians have a living culture with distinct cultural and legal rights and an ongoing connection to this Country with obligations in its management and care.
The Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung peoples continue to be active today, working to manage and care for Country and develop strong and resilient communities.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council recognises the value of sharing cultural celebrations, activities and events with the wider community, including National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week (4-11 July) each year.
Council's first Reconciliation Action Plan, which will soon be presented to Council, aims to support and reflect the reconciliation priorities of Traditional Owners, local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Council and the broader community.
Reconciliation Week's theme this year is 'More than a word. Reconciliation takes action' and we encourage residents to reflect on how they can make positive change and strengthen relationships in our community.
Council encourages people to participate in various activities for Reconciliation Week:
- Join a five-week Indigenous Coil Weaving course with the theme 'Heal Country, Heal our Nation', which commences 7 June and finishes with a drop-in exhibition of completed works during NAIDOC Week on 11 July. The workshops take place at the Woodend Community Centre, led by Dja Dja Wurrung artist Aunty Marilyne Nicholls. Session details are available on our events page.
- View works by Taungurung artist Maddi Moser at Council's customer service centres in Kyneton and Gisborne.
- Visit a significant site in the ranges such as Hanging Rock Reserve, Mount William, Mt Macedon/Beboor or Yelka Park.
Local community groups planning their own Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week activities are encouraged to promote them via Council's online Events Calendar
