This 7th Reconciliation in the Park event saw over 600 people join together for reconciliation at Johnstone Park.
The banner for participant contributions echoed the Reconciliation Week theme: Strong History, Strong Story, Strong Future, and attracted many positive messages:
- Brilliant day guys!
- Very proud to be part of this reconciliation
- Reconciliation: the heart of Australia's future
- Our story is still being written. Our future is determined by our actions today
- Proud to be a Wathaurong Gunditjmara woman
- This is the best Reconciliation in the Park event yet!
- It's great getting to meet up with people I haven't seen in community for years
- The event was very well done and I enjoyed learning about the local aboriginal culture
- All together having fun!
A HUGE thank you to the Working Group members who worked alongside Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op and One Fire members to create the day. Also to our sponsors as well as direct funders: City of Greater Geelong, Geelong Connected Communities, St John of God Hospital & Reconciliation Victoria.
This year opened with a powerful Welcome from Glenn Shea, his strong message about the intention of reconciliation echoing across Johnstone Park.
Mick Ryan & The Louds brought their powerful music to the stage, with The Deadly Duo singing two moving new songs, reminding us of why we come together for reconciliation.
One Connexion dancers drew a big crowd, and many young ones enjoyed joining in the 'show off' dance!
Nakayla Bamblett and Mel King as MC and Co-ordinator held the event together with inclusion and relationship building as the focus.
The 'Let's Talk Recognition' art exhibition connected everyone with the art created at 15 local schools through a Geelong Gallery program with local Aboriginal people.
The Geelong Koori Kids Choir sang a song based on a story written by Uncle David Tournier, which brought tears to many peoples eyes.
Sandy Manning created a deadly kangaroo stew with locally made damper.
The fabulous website about local 'Djillong' Aboriginal history and culture which was created from Uncle David Tournier knowledge and resources, has been upgraded to include tablet and mobile phone access at: http://www.djillong.net.au/
The reconciliation theme opened the hearts and minds of local radio presenters and journalists, including Jodie Whittaker at The Geelong Advertiser:
http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/news/opinion/jodie-whittaker-a-glimpse-into-our-past-is-good-for-our-future/news-story/c3f9180612b1cec379b74c6746b2eb33
Photograph by Glenn Ferguson
PHOTOS of the day (thanks to Peter Jones, Stu McCallum & Vicky Grosser):
Art by Clonard College, Newcomb Secondary College, North Geelong Secondary College, Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College, Western Heights College.
Students were taught by local aritists, including Gavin Couzens & Bronwyn Razen. A project led by Gail Frost: Gallery Educator at Geelong Gallery. Exhibition and program sponsored by Strategic Partnership Program: Department of Education and Training.
