Yarra City Council welcomes the opportunity to contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. We look forward to joining our community for National Reconciliation Week to reflect on how we can all be part of healing our nation, together.

National Reconciliation Week takes place from 27 May to 3 June. The week provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, schools, and workplaces to engage in dialogue, learn from each other, and take steps towards a more equitable and inclusive society.

This year’s theme is Be a Voice for Generations. It calls on Australians to honour the work of past generations who fought for justice in Australia and to work together today to tackle the unfinished journey towards reconciliation for generations to come.

This week is a time to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

How you can support and learn about reconciliation in Yarra:

• Download the Yalinguth App and do the Yalinguth walk to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' history of Gertrude Street in Fitzroy.
• Stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by attending a local ceremony, walks, or events run by Treaty Victoria and Reconciliation Victoria.
• Learn about local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' history on the Aboriginal History of Yarra website.
• Visit the Stolen Generations Marker in Atherton Gardens in Fitzroy to remember and reflect on struggles of the Stolen Generations as well as acknowledge the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities, clans and groups who seek to heal from the past.
• Visit Confined 14 at Peel Street Park in Collingwood. This projection artwork is part of an exhibition of works from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists currently in, or recently released, from prisons in Victoria. Presented by The Torch.
• Find out who the Traditional Owners are for the land where you live.

Community events: 

Sorry Day Smoking Ceremony and Community BBQ with Blak Pearl Studios
Friday 26 May
12.30pm to 2.30pm
Stolen Generations Marker, Atherton Gardens
95 Napier Street, Fitzroy

Sorry Day Smoking Ceremony and Community BBQ with NRCH
Friday 26 May
11.30am to 1pm
At the front of North Richmond Community Health
23 Lennox Street, Richmond

Reconciliation Movie Lunch with First Nations Foods
Tuesday 30 May
12 noon to 1pm
North Richmond Community Health - Community Rooms 50 & 60
23 Lennox Street, Richmond

Reconciliation Community Lunch with a Wurundjeri Elder
Thursday 1 June
10.30am to 1.30pm
North Richmond Community Health - Community Rooms 50 & 60
23 Lennox Street, Richmond

Cohealth Billabong BBQ
Tuesday 30 May
11am to 1pm
240 Wellington Street, Collingwood 
Billabong BBQ runs every Tuesday. This event is for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to get together, share food and connect with local community services.

You can learn more about Yarra City Council’s commitment to reconciliation and to developing connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Yana Ngargna Plan 2020-23.