Reconciliation
Reconciliation is about building better relationships between Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, and the wider community.
Reconciliation is about ‘a united Australia which respects this land of ours, values Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage and provides justice and equity for all’.
Reference: Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.
Commemorating Sorry Day - 26 May 2025
Melton City Council recognises 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.
On 26 May 1998 the first Sorry Day was held in Sydney. It is now commemorated across Australia, with thousands of people participating in memorials and commemorative services and events, in honour of the Stolen Generations.
In 2008, former Prime Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd, moved a Motion of Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples in the House of Representatives on behalf of the Australian Parliament. This long-awaited Apology was in response to Recommendation 5 of the Bringing them home Report: Acknowledgement and apology. It was a historic event, and has ongoing significance to Stolen Generations, the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and many non-Indigenous Australians all around the country.
On National Sorry Day, we commemorate the Stolen Generations, their families and communities, celebrating their strength and survival and sharing in the process of healing and reconciliation. The story of the Stolen Generations is a significant and important aspect of Australia’s history.
Source:
National Sorry Day Committee Inc., Learning About the Stolen Generations: The National Sorry Day Committee’s School Resource, 2013.
In 2025 Council will explore the themes of Sorry Day and the 2008 National Apology at their Reconciliation Week event on Friday 30 May 2025.
Reconciliation Week 27 May - 3 June 2025
Reconciliation Australia tell us that the National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation. We continue that work in 2025, inviting all Australians to join us in Bridging Now to Next – building a more united and respectful nation.
Council is hosting a range of activities to mark this important week and invite local people to get involved.
Little Wombats | Indigenous Workshop for Pre-schoolers
Date: Wednesday 28 May 2025
Time: 12.30pm - 1.15pm
Location: Botanica Springs Children’s and Community Centre, 249 Clarkes Rd, Brookfield VIC 3338
Book: Melton Learning Directory website
A cultural immersion workshop designed to introduce young learners to the beauty, depth, and diversity of Aboriginal traditions through hands-on activities, storytelling, art, and music.
Reconciliation Week Community/Flag Raising Event
Date: Friday 30 May 2025
Time: 10am – 12 noon
Location: Civic Centre lawn and Melton Community Hall
More information: Melton Learning Directory website
Join Mayor and Councillors to commemorate Reconciliation Week. The event will include great visual displays, an official flag raising ceremony, First Nations musical performers, a Mayor’s speech and key note speaker Thomas Mayo, a human right advocate, author and signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Light refreshments will be served after the official proceedings and the Blak Brews coffee van will be in attendance. Bookings not required. All welcome!
Indigenous Culture Celebration
Date: Friday 30 May 2025
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: Timbertop Children’s and Community Centre, 1 Timbertop Parade, Aintree VIC 3335
Book: Melton Learning Directory website
Step into the rich traditions of Aboriginal culture through a hands-on “Show and Tell” experience—packed with incredible artefacts, stories, and fun facts. Children will feel the rhythm and energy as they learn a traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander song, groove to cultural music, and journey through the wonder of stories.
For more information about these programs, please contact firstnations@melton.vic.gov.au
Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians
Melton City Council acknowledges the Kulin Nations as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and pays respect to their Elders past and present.
The City celebrates its rich indigenous history, the diversity of its people and their important ongoing connections to Country. We acknowledge the past injustices faced by our First Peoples and are committed to play our part in ensuring that these injustices are not repeated.
We appreciate that we still have a long journey ahead of us. Melton City Council advocates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights to self-determination.