There are a number of virtual events happening across the region to recognise National Reconciliation Week, as social limitations continue to be lifted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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National Reconciliation Week runs from May 27 to June 3 each year and is a time for Australians to learn about culture, shared history, and how each of us can contribute to reconciliation.
The dates have been set to commemorate two significant milestones in the journey to reconciliation - the successful referendum on May 27, 1967 and the High Court Mabo decision on June 3, 1992.
As Reconciliation Australia this year marks 20 years of working towards reconciliation, this year's National Reconciliation Week theme is 'In This Together' to signify that every Australian has a role to play to contribute to reconciliation.
National Reconciliation Week is preceded by National Sorry Day on May 26, which acknowledges the mistreatment of Australia's Indigenous peoples who were forcibly removed from their communities.
The week will look a little bit different this year amid the pandemic, however there will be a range of virtual events for the community to learn about Indigenous history and to engage in reconciliation.
In Hepburn Shire, the council has produced a video series called 'Peaks, Wetlands and Rivers' in collaboration with Jaara elder Uncle Ricky Nelson and Professor Barry Golding AM.
The series transports viewers back 180 years ago to three culturally significant places within the region - Mount Greenock, an extinct volcano north of Ballarat, the Merin Merin Wetland near Clunes and the Loddon River at Neereman.
Watch the first video below:
The video series describes how these places were significant for the clans who once lived in the area, before first contact between the Dja Dja Wurrung people and white settlers, who arrived in the region after Major Mitchell put it on the map in 1836.
From describing the wide open grasslands sprinkled with yam daisies that were perfect to camp in, to the wetlands surrounded by gum trees and the Loddon River that was fished for Murray Cod, the videos provide an insight into how traditional owners once lived across the region.
Meanwhile, the City of Ballarat will also host a series of events to share stories, culture and achievements. Proudly committed to reconciliation, the council is involved in a range of initiatives to advance reconciliation.
During the next week, it will host a number of events starting with the mayor's National Reconciliation Week message on Wednesday May 27, that will be posted to the council's Facebook page.
Later that day, the NRW2020 Book Chat will be hosted on the Ballarat Libraries Facebook page. There will be a range of other events posted to the library page including a storytime on Friday, May 29 and another on Wednesday, June 3.
National Reconciliation Week gives all of us the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Ben Taylor
"National Reconciliation Week gives all of us the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Ben Taylor, said.
"The City of Ballarat is committed to reconciliation. I hope we can all make a real difference during this time of uncertainty and anxiety and reach out to others."
Hepburn Shire Council's videos can be watched on YouTube. The links can also be found here.
