We had a great community event for Take 2: Sunday 11th July 2021, at Johnstone Park during NAIDOC Week.
(Reconciliation in the Park was postponed due to the COVID-19 lock down in Victoria.)
This year’s theme “More than a word. Reconciliation takes action” urged us all towards braver and more impactful action.
This FREE National Reconciliation Week (NRW) event is provided by local Aboriginal community organisations and members in association with Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group.
Thanks to funders and sponsors, including: Geelong Council, Barwon Water, Geelong Connected Communities & Reconciliation Victoria.
With a focus on activities, dance and music as well as free bbq provided by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for the broad community, we celebrated culture and joined together to build connections to further reconciliation in Greater Geelong.
Comments:
It was a fantastic day, a unique space to connect and renew friendships after the trials of the last couple of years.
The highlight for me was the joyful spirit of this year's event - the generous Welcome to Country by Corrina and Norm creating a powerful atmosphere of reverence and respect for Country. Kudos to Nikki for all her hard work in co-ordinating and leading such a memorable day.
Aunty Helen is a really good basket making teacher. It was good to see the young ones joining in and really engaged in learning.
I do heaps of little community events like that over the years and it was one of the best I’ve ever been to. Great little set up and awesome vibe.
It is a privilege to be part of Rec In The Park and to see how it is growing in recognition each year.
Very friendly and intimate. I loved learning from Alfie about grasses and the cultural foods/grasses.
For me some of the highlights were the dancers, the very warm Welcome to Country, the speeches ,which were full of hope ..... it was great to hear all the Politicians support the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
I loved Norm’s didge playing with Uncle Rob Bundle- so sensitive!
Photos by Vicky Grosser, Akasha-Kerryl Leigh Dingey, Chris McKenzie & John Murray
https://www.facebook.com/recinthepark/
The dates that mark the beginning and end of NRW represent two significant dates in our shared history. The 1967 referendum on 27 May, and Mabo Day on 3 June.
THIS WAS THE COVID SAFE EVENT Checklist - please read the checklist here