City of Clarence is honouring National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) with a program of events and activities designed to deepen understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and reflect on the journey of reconciliation.
The week is an important time for all Australians to reflect on our shared history, learn more about cultures, and consider how to contribute to reconciliation in meaningful ways.
The dates mark two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey, being the successful 1967 Referendum (27 May) and the High Court Mabo Decision (3 June), both of which helped recognise the rights, histories, and important steps forward for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our program reflects ongoing commitment to reconciliation in our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and partnerships with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community and Reconciliation Tasmania.
City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is an opportunity to show continued commitment to reconciliation in practice, not just words.
He said it was a particularly significant NRW for Clarence, being the first since adoption of the inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
“National Reconciliation Week is a time for all of us to reflect on Australia’s shared history and to strengthen our commitment to respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“Reconciliation is something we must actively embed in how we work every day. It is about learning, listening and taking meaningful steps forward.”
PHOTO: Our Customer Contact officers will be wearing polo tops featuring art by Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Caleb Nichols-Mansell throughout National Reconciliation Week.
During the week Mayor Brendan Blomeley, Chief Executive Officer Ian Nelson, councillors and officers, will attend a breakfast run by Reconciliation Tasmania at MyState Bank Arena.
Senior leaders will also take part in a walk on-Country along Takara Limuna with artist Theresa Sainty, designed to reflect on leadership responsibility and the organisational impact of reconciliation.
Everyday awareness of reconciliation will be assisted by customer-facing officers wearing polo tops featuring RAP artwork by Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Caleb Nichols-Mansell.
Young people are also learning about reconciliation with a colouring-in competition run by Youth Services, Children’s Services and Rosny Early Learning.