Released 11/05/2018
Canberrans are invited to come together and mark Australia’s first Reconciliation Day on 28 May at Reconciliation in the Park. Held at Glebe Park, the day will feature national and local artists, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and cultural activities, food trucks and more.
Headlining Reconciliation in the Park is the award winning blues and roots band, Busby Marou and Canberra’s own Lucy Sugerman. The young Ngunnawal Dancers and the Wiradjuri Echoes among other acts will feature on stage during the day.
Everyone will get the opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures and the importance of Reconciliation with events including bush tucker and boomerang activities, ranger talks and displays, story-telling, children’s art and the opportunity to meet Reconciliation Ambassadors.
Reconciliation Day falls during Reconciliation Week, which is celebrated across Australia from 27 May to 3 June, to commemorate two significant Reconciliation milestones: the 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
This year’s theme, which has also been adopted for Reconciliation Day, is “don’t keep history a mystery”. Australians are encouraged to learn more about the impact of past policies and practices, explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and culture, and in doing so develop a deeper understanding of our national story.
The ACT Government is also supporting a range of Reconciliation Day events across Canberra through the Reconciliation Day Grants Program. Events include cultural tours at Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s screening of the documentary Zach’s Ceremony, a BBQ organised by Toora Women Inc and EveryMan Australia, an Indigenous Community Volunteers event at the National Museum of Australia, a Tuggeranong Netball Association Reconciliation round and an event hosted by the Kara Buai Torres Strait Islander Corporation.
Reconciliation in the Park runs from 10am to 2pm on 28 May at Glebe Park. For more information visit: www.events.act.gov.au/reconciliationday.
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Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases