City Hall will be transformed throughout ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Reconciliation Week with projections that pay tribute to Jurrawaa Stanley, as well as an animation of stories about the connection of birds and animals belonging to the land and seen in the night sky star constellation.
³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Reconciliation Week begins today (ending Monday 3 June) and is a time for each and every community member to explore what role they can play in achieving reconciliation in Greater Geelong. The annual event provides the opportunity for Australians to learn about First Nations Culture, history and achievements.
This year’s theme, ‘Now More Than Ever’, reminds us that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will, and must, continue.
Each evening from 6-11pm, the projections on Gheringhap Street will begin with a dedication to beloved Kurnai/Wotjobaluk artist, Cultural Educator and musician Jurrawaa Stanley, who passed away this month. We respectfully honour Jurrawaa’s life and immense contributions to the Geelong region.
The community will then be treated to an educational animation of story and art called ‘Alignment,’ which takes the viewer along a journey about First Peoples’ connection to the land and star constellations during this period of contemplation, learning and action.
Wagiman artist Nathan Patterson and Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles came together with artist Matt Bonner to create this vivid animated projection that turns day into night and night into day, sharing stories of day and night.
The City, Barwon Water, Geelong Regional Libraries, Gordon TAFE and the Geelong Gallery have partnered to host a number of events on Thursday 30 May in central Geelong. Register attendance: .
Beginning at the Barwon Water forecourt, 55-67 Ryrie Street, Precinct Walk tours of local cultural sites will take place between 2-4pm.
The First Nations short film ‘Babakiueria’ (pronounced “barbecue area”) will be shown from 4pm at Platform Arts at 60 Little Malop Street. The acclaimed 1986 film from the ABC is a satirical look at Australian race relations and won the 1987 United Nations Media Peace Award.
The City’s James Stirton, Executive Director City Infrastructure will speak on a panel discussion that will be facilitated by Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming after the movie at the venue.
Attendees will also be invited to take part in guided yarning circles and enjoy First Nations-inspired cuisine, further opening up dialogue and a deeper understanding of First Nations cultures and histories.
City of Greater Geelong CEO Ali Wastie will join a free Reconciliation Week Gathering panel discussion on Friday 31 May from 5.30pm at the Geelong Arts Centre. Hosted by Christine Couzens MP, State Member for Geelong and the Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples, the discussion will feature insights from Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation’s Corrina Eccles and Wemba Wemba man Simon Flagg, CEO, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative. Info: .
Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan
Council is again looking forward to supporting local ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Reconciliation Week activities.
We invite community members to see our stunning City Hall projections and put reconciliation at the forefront of their minds.
It will be a beautiful opportunity to pay tribute to Jurrawaa Stanley, a proud Kurnai/Wotjobaluk man who generously shared his culture and some of the oldest stories in the world with us.
This is a time to reflect on how you can support the voices and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, tackle racism and connect.
Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles
This year’s ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Reconciliation Week theme ‘Now More Than Ever’ reminds us that, no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will – and must – continue.
There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken
I encourage community members to visit our multi-award winning On the Land: Our Story Retold exhibition at the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Wool Museum this ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Reconciliation Week.
Learn about the past, present and future of Australian wool, and the people, places and the history of the land.
Experience stories, traditional language and art with the Wadawurrung Country exhibit, created by Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles, elder Bryon Powell with contributions from Wadawurrung artist Deanne Gilson.
