Surf Coast Shire Council will acknowledge National Reconciliation Week with a truth-telling event highlighting one family's struggle in the face of discrimination.
Wemba Wemba man and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative CEO Simon Flagg will share the journey of Aboriginal parents Lucy and Percy Pepper, who cared for each other and their seven children while living in poverty at various locations across Victoria during the early 1900s.
As former manager for Aboriginal history at the Victorian Public Record Office, Simon Flagg was instrumental in compiling the Peppers' story from archival records, letters and photographs.
Under the title Footprints – The Journey of Lucy and Percy Pepper, it became a best-selling book.
National Reconciliation Week will run from 27 May to 3 June, with the theme Bridging Now To Next providing a focus for Australians to learn about shared histories and cultures and to explore how they can contribute to achieving reconciliation.
Cr Leon Walker encouraged people to come to Council's event at 5.30pm on 29 May in Council's chambers, 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay.
"We look forward to Simon's presentation, highlighting the importance of historic truth-telling in deepening our knowledge, and more importantly our understanding, as we move towards reconciliation," Cr Walker said.
"Council is continuing its journey towards reconciliation, respectfully walking alongside Traditional Owners and First Nations people, and is proud to elevate First Nations voices and truth-telling as part of the process."
Places are limited but people can register via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Reconciliation
The event will also include a Welcome to Country by Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles, and a performance by singer Ngara McEwen, a proud Arrernte, Bundjalung woman with deep connections to Wathaurong Country.
Ngara has worked with the acclaimed Dhungala Children's Choir and recorded with Uncle Archie Roach and Paul Kelly.
Her performance is previewed as a beautiful representation of shared commitment to reconciliation.
