Three flags flew high at a special ceremony in Buss Park this morning, symbolising an important message of reconciliation across the community.
People from throughout the Bundaberg Region attended the National Reconciliation Week event, celebrating this year's theme “Grounded in Truth, Walk Together with Courage”.
Deputy Mayor Bill Trevor said Reconciliation Week provided an opportunity to learn a little of our individual and shared history.
“Reconciliation Week is about being open to our stories of cultural richness and our achievements as a nation,” he said.
“We are all on a journey together, we need to understand one another better and we need to be able to work together better.”
Cr Trevor said reconciliation was an important part of building a unified future.
“It's part of our community and Council is part of this community and we think it's important for community members to get together, to celebrate and take the opportunity to learn from one another,” he said.
“We are all in this together, we are one in the community and we want to participate in this journey with our elders and in particular our young people because they are the future.”
Members of the community were asked to provide a personal message about Reconciliation Week on footprint cards, which will be displayed at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.
“These are being produced in the colour of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags,” Cr Trevor said.
Beyonce thanks nan, mum
Bundaberg State High School Year 12 student Beyonce Tanner made a moving speech at the ceremony and said Reconciliation Week was a chance to reflect and move forward.
“It means honouring our elders and ancestors for all they did for us,” she said.
“Also for how the community has progressed over hundreds of years and how far we have come.
“There are still some cracks in the ground but it means coming together to make us better and better each day.”
Beyonce said this Reconciliation Week gave her a chance to honour the love and support from her biggest idols, her nan and mum.
“They are super inspiring and they have been there for me from day one,” she said.
“They push me each and every day to excel and progress in my life.”
Beyonce said this Reconciliation Week she was encouraged by the Girls Academy, a nationwide organisation implemented through high schools to provide support.
“They are strong women in my life who are really inspiring, they are just beautiful and kind hearted,” she said.
“I have strong women all around me so it inspires me everyday to get up and prove a point.”
The Reconciliation Week flag raising began a week of observances.
- Bush tucker on the menu for Reconciliation Week at IWC
