Glen Innes Shire Council is marking National Reconciliation Week with a community luncheon at the Town Hall this Wednesday, May 31 which will include voting on which aboriginal art piece (or pieces) will be added to council’s collection.
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This year’s theme for the week is Let’s Take the Next Steps as Australia reflects on two significant anniversaries in Australia’s reconciliation journey: 50 years since the 1967 referendum, and 25 years since the historic Mabo decision.
General Manager Hein Basson said he sees all Australians playing a part in the next big steps in our nation’s reconciliation journey, and particularly our young people.
“Following a Welcome to Country by our Ngoorabul elder Uncle John Kirk, an address by future leaders of our community will focus on the next steps needed on the reconciliation journey from the perspective of our youth,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Cr Carol Sparks affirmed council’s commitment to work in partnership with Ngoorabul people and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in our community.
“Enjoy this opportunity to meet and form friendships that are lasting and meaningful, and to honour and respect both anniversaries which highlight the importance of reconciliation and its significance to all Australian people,” she said.
An exhibition of local Aboriginal art and music will provide a thought-provoking background to the luncheon. Director of Corporate and Community Services Anna Watt said the event will be an opportunity for council to purchase -- on behalf of the community -- a painting by a local Aboriginal artist.
“The Aboriginal people in attendance on the day will be able to vote for one of the paintings on display, which will then be prominently displayed in one of the council offices providing a continuous acknowledgement of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Mrs Watt said.
The purchase is being funded by a one-off $5000 grant from the federal government to support anniversary celebrations. GISC secured one of the grants, along with other New England councils Inverell Shire, Upper Hunter Shire, Liverpool Plans Shire and Tamworth Regional.
“These local councils will partner with the relevant Indigenous organisations in their local area to commemorate two of the most significant events in our nation’s history," Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said.
"The 1967 Referendum achieved an unprecedented 90.77 per cent ‘yes’ vote to recognise First Australians in the Census and provide the Australian Government with the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
"The Mabo High Court case was a landmark moment in the history of Indigenous land rights, overturning the doctrine of ‘terra nullius’ that led to the passing of the Native Title Act 1993.
"Native title is the legal recognition that some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have rights and interests on certain land because of their traditional laws and customs. Since the Mabo decision, native title has been recognised in more than two million square kilometres of land and has led to opportunities for economic development and independence.
“I am delighted that these five councils in the New England Electorate are able to mark the significance of these two occasions in a manner that recognises the importance of these events to Australia’s shared story.”
The Glen Innes luncheon starts at noon. Anyone interested can register their attendance by calling Life Choices – Support Services on (02) 6730 2500.