Reconciliation in the Park 2017

This 8th year of Reconciliation in the Park was very significant. It was a tribute to Uncle David Tournier, who passed on 31st December of last year.

Uncle developed the idea for this annual reconciliation event with the support of other local Aboriginal community leaders, supported by Ron Milligan from Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group.

Uncle was part of the event team which celebrated our Community HART Award win for the Rec in the Park, in June 2016.

'Let's Take The Next Step' was the theme for National Reconciliation Week this year. With this in mind, Norm Stanley who co-ordinated the event stated, "Rec in Park will be a full tribute to the storytelling, passion and commitment to making things right by Uncle David Tournier".

Uncle's family provided his favourite roo stew as part of the BBQ menu, and a marquee displayed his artefacts and some of his book collection.
A banner was covered with messages and memories from the Geelong community who had listened, learnt and built reconciliation activities together over many years under the guidance of Uncle David.

 Rec in Park - Tribute to Uncle David 2017

Feedback from the day -

  • Fabulous event: live on!
  • Native plants, grasses and information about foods
  • So special, so wonderful!
  • We need events like this more often
  • United we stand, divided we fall
  • Great to be part of
  • Good to see Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander cultures shown to non-Indigenous people
  • Seeing traditional culture
  • Everything: coming together & respect
  • The stuff for kids
  • Growing understanding
  • Community together

Bahai Community of Geelong -
We were grateful for the opportunity to learn about indigenous culture in such a unique and rich atmosphere.
Congratulations to you and all the organisers for demonstrating what respect for culture and unity can achieve. It was pretty special, and affected us all. I'm sure that Rec in the Park will grow in momentum year by year until it touches all Geelong.

Photos by Amber Hathway, Jennie Jeppeson, Mel King, Peter Jones & Vicky Grosser

Small event - powerful message MEL KING     Corrina DD May17 Vicky    Louisa Jason Myranda Tournier MEL KING  Deadley Dancers Norm Barry    Jason Norm Michael AMBER HATHWAY    Corrina Tammy 3rd dancer    Barry Gilson Peter Jones

Bunjil Peter Jones     Glenn Skuthorpe Peter Jones    Cockatoo GTEC AMBER HATHWAY

Turtle GTEC AMBER HATHWAY    Norm creations    WY Grass Flour    Sandy catering MEL KING

Boomerang 1    Boomerang 2    Boomerang 3 

Nikki Nakia Norm    Andy Scott Uncle Ron Milligan    Damper making    Glenn Olivia Juliet JENNY JEPPESON

 

Geelong Gallery: Let’s talk recognition—
a children’s art exhibition
Reconciliation art work created by 10 Geelong schools with local Aboriginal artists: Gavin Couzens, Bronwyn Razen, Nathan Patterson & Jenny Murray-James.
Program and exhibition sponsored by Strategic Partnership Program—Department of Education and Training.

GG Rec Wk art       Gavin Couzens - Schools wk       Nathan Patterson 2

 

                   Browyn Razen 3      Browyn Razen 2      Jenny Murray-James