Symbolic smoke clears the air

GANNAWARRA Shire Council paused to acknowledge the importance of National Reconciliation Week last Tuesday with a community celebration event.

Now into its 27th year, NRW is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The festivities started with the raising of the Aboriginal flag at the Kerang Council Building followed by a Reconciliation Walk to the Kerang Memorial Hall.

Rain held off as Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor, Charlie Gillingham, welcomed the large crowd that had gathered and invited all to take part in the smoking ceremony.

“The smoking ceremony is an important feature of our Reconciliation week festivities which acknowledge two significant events, the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

“Be a voice for Generations is this year’s theme which encourages us all to create a just, equitable and reconciled country for all,” Cr Gillingham said as he addressed the gathering.

Local Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Lil, read the children’s book My Deadly Boots to the children which was followed by morning tea and music provided by the council.

Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine says the theme calls on Australians to honour the work of generations past who fought for justice and to work together today to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation for the generations to come.

“There has long been a strong thread in Australian history of people striving to build a just society,” she said.

“Australian history has included many examples of non-First Nations Australians who stood with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people during early strikes, protests and notably during the 1967 referendum.

“Australia has a long record of inspiring allyship and solidarity to address centuries of racism and injustice.

“This National Reconciliation Week we urge all Australians to follow in this tradition to be a voice for generations, while also imagining a better country for future generations,” Ms Mundine said.