The Reconciliation Week festival, presented by the Wadawurrung community and Sovereign Hill, will celebrate Aboriginal stories, traditions and history.

Last year’s corroboree was the first held in Ballarat for about 160 years.

"The Gnarrwirring Ngitj Festival provides a great opportunity for the Ballarat community to learn about local Aboriginal history and living culture," Ms Barnes said. 

"The festival highlight - the Wadawurrung Corroboree - will be a very special evening. Not only have the Wadawurrung community decided to share their ancient stories through dance, they will also be singing in language and translating it into English."

Ms Barnes said learning about Aboriginal culture and practising empathy was a means of making amends for past disrespect. 

"Nineteenth century Ballarat treated its Aboriginal community disrespectfully, even though many gold discoveries in the region couldn't have been made without their help.

“In 21st century Ballarat, we want people to be proud of our shared story, and understand the positive, uplifting aspects along with those which are sad and unjust."

"The partnership between the Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation and the Sovereign Hill Museums Association is very important to both organisations. We share the belief that the best way to make up for the mistakes of the past is through listening, learning and practicing empathy through events like the Gnarrwirring Ngitj Festival."

The Wadawurrung Corroboree is on Saturday, June 3 at 5.15.pm to 7pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. We’re All Custodians: Teaching Aboriginal History and Living Culture is on Tuesday, May 30 from 4.15-6.15pm and includes insights from local elders, academics and the Sovereign Hill Education Team. 

For bookings and a full festival program visit www.sovereignhill.com.au.