Benalla Rural City Council marks Reconciliation Week

Leading the discussion, Winton Wetlands Koorie cultural officer and proud Yorta Yorta woman Nikki James, together with Jane Archbold from Benalla Rural City Council, visited FCJ College and discussed what reconciliation means to the students.

Mayor Bernie Hearn said it was important to acknowledge the First Nations culture of the region by sharing this knowledge with students at FCJ College during National Reconciliation Week.

“The sessions held at FCJ College during National Reconciliation Week were a fantastic way for students to learn about Yorta Yorta culture from the very passionate and very knowledgeable Nikki James,” Cr Hearn said.

To add to the celebrations, Benalla Rural City councillors were invited to a morning tea hosted by the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency.

The morning tea was also attended by several members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Advisory Group and respected local elders.

“The session was very positive and interactive and was a great opportunity for councillors to yarn with local Aboriginal community members, whilst acknowledging National Reconciliation Week,” Cr Hearn said.

“Council has also registered with Reconciliation Australia to begin working on the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan. This will involve undertaking a number of staff and community workshops as we continue to grow and learn.

“Our staff in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group have started planning for NAIDOC Week celebrations, coming up in the first week of July.”

The main NAIDOC Week celebration will be held on Tuesday, July 4, commencing with a flag-raising at the Civic Centre and a smoking ceremony, activities and displays at the Town Hall.

The theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week is For Our Elders and is an opportunity for the whole community to come together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.