What is Reconciliation?
Find out more about Reconciliation in Australia
Consultation closed
Reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous Australians is about strengthening relationships. This is achieved through truth telling about Australia’s colonial past and working together on meaningful change. The aim is a just, equitable and reconciled Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the same life chances and choices and where quality of life is not determined by racial background.
Each year, National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) is a chance for all Australians to learn and share how we can all contribute to achieving Reconciliation in Australia. Melton City Council has launched this page to hear local voices on what we can do to advance Reconciliation in our municipality.
Did you know?
The life expectancy for First Nations people is 10 years lower than non-indigenous Australians
The unemployment rate for First Nations people in the labour force is 13%, double the rate of the overall population at 6.5%
54% of First Nations students leave school before completing Year 11, compared with 25% of non-indigenous students in the City of Melton
Let’s talk about Reconciliation
As a part of our Reconciliation Week campaign and in preparation for NAIDOC in July, we are inviting EVERYONE to share positive and innovative ideas about the work of Reconciliation.
We are seeking your answers to one or all of these three questions to increase our understanding.
- What does Reconciliation mean to you?
- What can individuals or community groups do to support Reconciliation?
- Describe what a more reconciled Australia would be like
Please help us unite in the cause of Reconciliation by sharing your thoughts with the City of Melton community. Please note this content will be moderated and only positive contributions will be shared. We appreciate your cooperation with remaining respectful and empathetic.
All contributions go in the draw to win one of 10 $50 shopping vouchers
Please note: Your contact details remain provate and are collected for the prize draw only.
Closed
Activity closed 31/07/2024 at 11:59 PM
Seeking a more inclusive Australia
Reconciliation is about acknowledging the wrongs that Aboriginal people have had to endure including the more recent ones such as the stolen generation, denial of voting rights, segregation etc.. understanding the impacts on past and present generations, and demonstrating that we are genuine about wanting a harmonious , fair and non-racist future for all groups in this country.
Acknowledging trauma and moving to healing
The continent of Australia was invaded in 1788, and since that time the traditional owners of our land have been systematically dispossessed of their land and culture. This created great trauma for our Aboriginal people and their communities. Reconciliation is an invitation for us acknowledge the ongoing trauma our Aboriginal brothers and sisters have experienced since the invasion in 1788, and to create a new way forward which elevates the needs of the Aboriginal community, provides space for…
Strengthening relationships
For me, Reconciliation is about Australia acknowledging what white people did to First Nations people when they invaded this country in 1788 and the ongoing trauma and adversity it has caused. It is a journey that looks to strengthen relationships…
Reconciliation means...
To strengthen and build respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. It means we bring people together by listening, learning, acknowledging the impacts of colonialism of Australia - and allow for self-determining actions by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Reconciliation means Australia moves to a place of equity, justice and partnership together.
partnerships with education centres Submission type Text Photo Video
nurture partnerships with education centres so to provide opportunities for young minds to normalise and embrace indigenous cultural heritage ... providing opportunity to know and understand indigenous words by intentionally applying them to name civic facilities and infrastructure. Normalising selected indigenous folklore (books and plays) in the (national) school curriculum. Normalising into the physical education curriculum selected 'named' indigenous dance moves. create exchange programs…
Actions for Reconcilliation
To support reconciliation, we can take part in cultural exchange programs, First Nations art projects, and develop Reconciliation Action Plans. We can also support truth-telling initiatives, youth engagement programs, and community gardens that incorporate Indigenous knowledge. Other ideas might be running or participating in cultural competency training, supporting Indigenous businesses, and hosting joint community events. It's also important to preserve cultural heritage sites which promote…
Equality and the Planning Scheme
I would enjoy to see many areas of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Sensitivity added to the current schedule to the Planning Schemes Heritage Overlay, or a new and separate First Peoples Heritage Overlay added to the Planning Scheme to allow Aboriginal Cultural Heritage to be monitored at a Local Level. All in consultation with the Local First Nations People who may choose to include places to the Overlay that they seek protections for.
a more Reconciled Australia means...
My children growing up feeling proud not only of our history, but of our present culture, because we are all treated with respect and dignity, and healing is both practical and symbolic. We celebrate our Aboriginal culture and heritage as our national shared heritage, as well as our present and our future.
Broader Awareness and Action
Reconciliation must be implemented through out Australian laws and policies. Besides acknowledging our land ancestors, offering benefits in education/employment, The Australian land must be given back to the original land owners (First Nation people) that's when it is considered a forward step until then it's all game of politics. God help us to give our ancestors rights back. Ameen
Key Dates
Council is hosting a number of events and programs across Sorry Day (26 May) and Reconciliation Week to demonstrate its commitment to advancing Reconciliation.
Saturday 25 May 2024 02:00 pm to 04:00 pm
Throwback Theatre: Firestarter – The Story of Bangarra
Melton Library & Learning Hub
Ages 15 to 25
Looking for a fun, free way to hang out with your friends on the weekend? Throwback Theatre is our brand new film club for teens and young adults!
Come along to the theatre at Melton Library to watch some of your favourite films – and discover new ones! Popcorn will be provided, and you are welcome to BYO snacks as well.
To celebrate Reconciliation Week, come along and watch the Bangarra Dance Theatre reflect on its birth and growth, and the power of art to foster social change and healing.
Book Now via https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=5...
Sunday 26 May 2024 02:00 pm to 03:00 pm
Sorry Day at the Library
Melton Library & Learning Hub
All Ages
Stop by at our film installation on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May where you can view historical footage about the Stolen Generation and the National Apology and sign a Sorry Day card to receive a Native Hibiscus seed to plant at home.
Join us to mark Sorry Day with a very special author talk. Hear from Coral Voss, author of the picture book Sorry Day, as she talks about her work, the importance of saying sorry, and how we can become true allies to our First Nations communities.
No bookings required
Tuesday 28 May 2024 10:00 am to 01:00 pm
Cultural education session
Melton Library & Learning Hub
Ages 16+
Newly arrived residents of Melton are invited to attend a cultural session to learn about First Nations culture and history and gets hands on experiences.
Contact communitytraining@melton.vic.gov.au for bookings
Wednesday 29 May 2024 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Reconciliation week flag raising event
Melton Community Hall
All Ages
Come and join us for Council’s annual Flag Raising event on Wednesday 29 May including cultural musical performances, a key note presentation and food that fuses locally sourced native ingredients with classic Western favourites.
No bookings necessary
Wednesday 29 May 2024 01:00 pm to 02:00 pm
Reconciliation Week: Elemental Wellbeing Workshop
Caroline Springs Library & Learning Hub
Ages 18+
This Reconciliation Week, take a moment to reflect on our First Nations community and their rich ancient culture through the practice of Elemental Wellbeing.
Nartarsha from Queen Acknowledgements will guide you through a number of mindful activities that will help you feel connected to both yourself and the environment.
Book now via https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=5...
Wednesday 29 May 2024 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm
Cultural education session
Stevenson House, Caroline Springs
Ages 16+
Newly arrived residents of Melton are invited to attend a cultural session to learn about First Nations culture and history and gets hands on experiences.
Contact communitytraining@melton.vic.gov.au for bookings
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Name | Community Capacity Team |
|---|---|
| Phone | 97477200 |
| firstnations@melton.vic.gov.au |
