Over 120 people, including Council staff, gathered at Kempsey Library for lunch to celebrate Reconciliation Week.
The Eat and Yarn lunch event provided an opportunity for the community to come together to learn about our shared histories, cultures, achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation.
Community Development Officer and event organiser Aisha Spokes said it was a wonderful event with a bush tucker inspired lunch and lots of yarning, weaving and learning.
“I want to thank Uncle John Kelly for performing the smoking ceremony and Uncle Fred Kelly for the Welcome to Country,” Ms Spokes said.
“Everyone shared a bush tucker inspired lunch, the weaving table was really busy, and it felt like we were all connecting in a respectful and relaxed atmosphere.”
“Both Uncle John and Uncle Fred shared some lovely stories from Dunghutti/Thunggutti history and culture and spoke about the importance of reconciliation.”
Those who attended the lunch were also encouraged to write their reconciliation message on a hand.
The completed hands will be included in the Sea of Hands event on Thursday 1 June.
Sea of Hands is the largest known Reconciliation Week event in NSW with 1500 school children attending from 15 Macleay Valley public schools.
