Local events and sites
Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day
National Reconciliation Week May 27 to 3 June 2023 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 this year’s National Reconciliation Week 2023 is Be A Voice For Generations, encouraging all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise.
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, Melton City Council will host a number of activities with staff and local community.
National Sorry Day event
On Monday 22 May, Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day proceedings commenced with a formal Flag Raising ceremony out the front of the Civic Centre that will involve Councillors and First Nation representatives.
It was followed by a symbolic ‘reconciliation walk’ where all those in attendance came together in the true spirit of reconciliation and walk across to the Melton Library & Learning Hub. Once there, guests were treated to a performance by renowned Aboriginal Singer/Songwriter and Mutti Mutti Man, Uncle Kutcha Edwards who shared story and song about his experience as a Stolen Generation survivor.
By participating in the Reconciliation Week Flag Raising and Sorry Day event at Melton City Council, we can play our small part in coming together to learn, understand and appreciate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of this land.
Reconciliation Week event
Council is planning to hold a Curious about Culture event which will feature the City of Melton's Traditional Owners:
- Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation,
- Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, and
- Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation Traditional Owners.
It will also feature our local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation - Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation. Traditional Owners and Kirrip will share relevant cultural information with Council staff and external service providers as well as host yarning circles with the aim of exploring culture, answering questions and sharing insights into our local First Nations community.
Through this event we hope to help participants learn from First Nation community leaders and representatives and engage in meaningful exchanges of information. The event will feature a special musical performance and be followed by light lunch.
The date and time to be announced pending Traditional Owner confirmation.
Places will be limited. Express your interest in attending this future event by emailing wazihr@melton.vic.gov.au
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.