Reconciliation in the Park 2024 was held at Johnstone Park in Djilang / Geelong, on Sunday 2nd June 2024.

The National Reconciliation Week 2024 theme was Now More Than Ever

At this 15th year of this significant annual event, which is created by local First Nations community with Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group, we honoured the late Jurrawaa. He passed to the Dreaming just two weeks beforehand. Jurrawaa was a key contributor over many years in programming the activities and performances of the day, ensuring that it brought in educators from across the community and created conversations of learning and action within the broad community. 

This year, new performers danced and sang, first time activities included native flower crown creations. Many people came to Rec in the Park for their first time as well as others who return each year to deepen relationships and learning. School teachers and other educators engaged in conversations to bring deeper understanding through truth telling. 

A big thank you to the team who planned this years Rec in the Park, and the generous activity providers and performers.

There was also the Market @ Rec in the Park for the third year alongside Rec in the Park - showcasing local Aboriginal artists creations.

Comments from the day included -

* I enjoyed collaboration with Aunty Helen and her family who were doing traditional basket weaving, and the demonstrating and teaching of participants. This event is consistent and people take on what they learn into the broad community: Tash Rossington – Basket weaving stall
* The day went very well, despite the sadness of the time. We need to work together, and this is a strong place to be together: Aunty Helen Brotherton – Traditional basket making.
* The highlight of Rec in the Park for me was realising that even though the Referendum vote was no, the community is stating otherwise with their attendance at this event, the embracing of the activities, the deep-seated respect shown towards the First Nation presenters and performers. The number of people there was staggering and it gave me so much hope for what is to come.
* My highlights of the day included the beautiful and heart-felt Welcome to Country by Corrina, and wonderful displays of talent and connection by all the performers.It was amazing to engage in very meaningful conversations with community members.
* I think the “Now more than ever” theme was fulfilled in my sense of solidarity between everyone involved. I loved the dancers and ceremony.
* It was a really special day; a privilege to be part of it. I am looking forward to next year.

We thank all funders: City of Greater Geelong, Barwon Water, Geelong Connected Communities, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, St John of God Hospital (Geelong) and Reconciliation Victoria. We had many supporters & volunteers from the Geelong Baha'i Community, Kardinia International College, St Josephs College, Kardinia Stadium Trust, Geelong Lions Club, Geelong Community Men's Shed & Friends of Brisbane Ranges in addition to the Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group team.

Photographs by Paul McKenna, Vicky Grosser & Councillor Anthony Aitken.