Reconciliation in the Park 2023 was held at Johnstone Park in Geelong, on Sunday 28th May 2023.

The National Reconciliation Week 2023 theme was Be a Voice for Generations

There was also a Market @ Rec in the Park - showcasing local Aboriginal artists creations.

Despite some initial rain, we had a really big turn out of both regular attenders and many new people to our 14th year of Reconciliation in the Park.

Nikki McKenzie programmed the day over six months of planning with community, and created a wonderful, connecting atmosphere with her moving Welcome to Country. Norm Stanley played didge / yidaki for over 40 minutes while we all participated in the smoking ceremony. Corrina Eccles and the Deadly Dancers shared cultural dance, then invited everyone to join the dancing and participate in tradition.

The day was full of connections, sharing and celebration of culture and learning together. This annual National Reconciliation Week space for Djilang / Geelong is a foundation for many broad community reconciliation activities during the year ahead.

We thank all funders: City of Greater Geelong, Barwon Water, Geelong Connected Communities, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and Reconciliation Victoria. We had many supporters & volunteers from the Geelong Baha'i Community, Kardinia International College, St Josephs College, Geelong Lions Club and Uniting in addition to the Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group team.

Feeback included -

"Thank you so much for including me in Rec in the Park today. I haven't had such a wonderful time in a long time. To see the connections people had, the smiles and the feel good feelings was so heart-warming."

"It was so wonderful to be with Aunty Helen teaching us some traditional basket weaving skills, alongside Tash using different materials for a modern style of basket making." Aunty Helen: "I like that people want to come and learn, and know about our culture."

"We joined and it was lovely! Our little one got to make and eat damper, painted a Boomerang, made a bracelet and a necklace. Thank you for a great day."

"I liked taking with people about my culture, and people who aren't Aboriginal asked lots of questions." - Zoe at Ochre face painting

"We had lots of new people asking about the possum skin cloaks and the marngrook, as they joined in creating the reconciliation possum skin cloak." - Aunty Lisa Couzens

The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op team had lots of yarns with people, and enjoyed the day. 

PHOTOS by Vicky Grosser.