The City of Greater Geelong is proud to support NAIDOC
Week 2019 (7-14 July), which celebrates the
history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people.
This
year’s theme is ‘Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future’,
which aims to encourage conversations between Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people and non-Indigenous people.
As part of NAIDOC Week 2019 celebrations, Greater Geelong Mayor Bruce
Harwood unveiled an Acknowledgement to Country plaque at City Hall.
The wording on the plaque is inscribed with the following:
“Council acknowledges Wadawurrung Traditional Owners of this land and all
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People who are part of the Greater
Geelong community today”.
The Wathaurong Glass plaque will create a respectful and welcoming
environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the City of
Greater Geelong.
A
number of events are being held in Geelong to mark NAIDOC Week 2019, including
The City Presents: An Evening with Aunty Eleanor Bourke and Professor Sarah
Maddison.
The City of Greater Geelong is committed to achieving
equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Council is currently
preparing its first Reconciliation Action Plan, a tool to help strengthen
relationships and create opportunities.
Greater Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood
NAIDOC Week is always a special time in
our region, and there is so much to celebrate and be proud of. I hope this
year’s theme will further open up dialogue between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
people.Council is working on improving outcomes
for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, with our first
Reconciliation Action Plan. This framework will guide the City’s strategies and
activities with our Aboriginal residents.
Councillor Sarah Mansfield – Chair, An Inclusive and
Diverse Community portfolio
NAIDOC
Week provides an opportunity to learn about and celebrate our long, rich and
diverse local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and culture.It
also encourages our community to engage in open, truthful dialogue, and reflect
on how we can enable self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people.
