Local events and sites
Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2024 was Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will - and must - continue. Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of Reconciliation.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians to enable us to move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and futures.
Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who was forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we know as the ‘The Stolen Generations'.
National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the Healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.
Events
To mark Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day in 2024, Melton City Council hosted a number of activities with staff and local community.
National Sorry Day event
Melton City Council recognised the significance of Sorry Day on 26 May as an important day to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.
Council hosted an exhibit about Sorry Day and the Stolen Generations, providing a safe space for reflection and commitment to further Reconciliation.
The display included viewing space for footage of the National Apology speech given by Kevin Rudd in 2008 as well as background information about the Stolen Generations and the significance of the National Apology as it relates to Reconciliation work.
People in attendance were invited to sign a ‘sorry’ card that was posted on a community display board. Attendees also took home with them some Purple Hibiscus seeds which are the associated flower of the Stolen Generations and Sorry Day.
Reconciliation Week event
Reconciliation Australia tell us that the National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will — and must — continue. Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of Reconciliation.
Council hosted a range of activities to mark this important week and invited local people to get involved.
Local historical sites
Bullum Bullum Aboriginal Place
The Bullum Bullum Aboriginal Place in Burnside is highly valued by local traditional owners as a place of strong association with country. Artefacts at the site are remnants of thousands of years of camping, movement and activity. Bullum Bullum means "white butterfly" and represents freedom of expression.
Scarred Tree, Melton Golf Club
Scar trees are trees that have had bark removed to create everyday items such as canoes, shields and containers.
Toolern Creek environs sign, Hannah Watts Park
(on main creek pathway opposite playground)
In 1863 the area’s last known corroboree (a ceremonial dance gathering) took place here.