This National Reconciliation Week, the Bundaberg Region community will come together to contribute to an Australia-wide movement towards a unified future.
National Reconciliation Week runs annually from 27 May to 3 June with the 2019 theme “Grounded in Truth Walk Together with Courage”.
This year, organisations, businesses and the community will learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements through the many activities being held.
A flag-raising ceremony will feature in Buss Park from 9 am on Monday 27 May with the ceremony to include a message board for the community to participate in.
The messages of love and support will then be displayed upon the walls of the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.
Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey said National Reconciliation Week was an important time of year and served as a reminder to explore how each individual could contribute to achieving reconciliation.
“While it is well and good to say that a spirit of reconciliation exists it really is a case of actions speaking louder than words,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“I am sure it is everyone’s hope that as our journey of life continues we can all strive to uphold the values that bind us as people and gain the strength of character to walk together with courage.”
Reconciliation Week events
A fundraiser and special performance at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre will also be held as part of National Reconciliation Week.
Community and Cultural Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Judy Peters said the Moncrieff was helping to raise funds for NAIDOC Week 2019 with an Australian Bush Flavours experience.
“The event, to be held on Tuesday 28 May at 5.30 pm, features the opportunity to sample the aromas and flavours of bush foods incorporated with modern cuisine in shared tasting plates,” Cr Peters said.
“Tickets include a tasting plate and a drink and cost just $15 per person.”
Cr Peters said event-goers could then stay on for a free movie, the multi award winning Backtrack Boys. The free movie is open to everyone.
The next evening, a special performance by Djuki Mala will take place at 7.30 pm.
Tickets are on sale here.
Library events
Bundaberg Regional Libraries will also host an array of events during National Reconciliation Week, including hand printing art, video presentations and story time activities.
Monday 27 May – Friday 31 May
- Hand printing to support Reconciliation Week
Trace and/or colour your hand print on our Reconciliation Banner in support of Reconciliation Week.
- Colouring in activity
Colour in an animal picture and learn the Taribelang word for that animal.
Monday 27 May
- Reconciliation Week video presentation, 2 pm – 4 pm
Drop in and watch TEDx videos about the journey towards reconciliation in Australia. Included are talks by Dr Anita Heiss and Chris Sarra. Chris grew up in Bundaberg, becoming a school teacher, and later forming the Stronger Smarter Institute. He is passionate about the education of Indigenous students.
Tuesday 28 May
- Story Time, 10 am -10.45 am
Reconciliation theme for story and/or craft.
Reading of Two Mates by Melanie Prewett.
Wednesday 29 May
- Toddler Rock ‘n’ Rhyme, 10 am-10.30 am
Reconciliation theme for story and/or craft.
Reading of I Love Me by Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina.
Wednesday 29 May
- Reconciliation Week video presentation, 2 pm -4 pm
Saturday 1 June
- “Sharing Stories” Book Launch, 10 am – 12 pm (10 am for 10.30 am start)
- Official launch of series of books written and illustrated by local children in English and Taribelang. The morning will feature the official launch of the stories, a reading and unveiling of the Reconciliation Banner. Learn the Taribelang names and words for various animals, people, etc.
Monday 3 June
- Story Time, 9.30 am – Gin Gin Library
Indigenous musical instruments, puzzles, story stones, puppets, rain stick, decorate a boomerang with dot painting. Reading of Tiddalick the Frog Who Caused a Flood by Robert Roennfeldt and other stories.
