Historical research indicates that noted Victorian Honour Awardees, Aboriginal leaders Jack Patten and William Ferguson, launched the Aborigines Progress Association in 1937.
In January 1938, they organised the first Aboriginal Day of Mourning, based on an idea by Aboriginal leader William Cooper.
His statue is now a highlight of our beautiful Queen’s Gardens.
All of us should know the history of local tragedy inflicted and hear the many stories from our Aboriginal community.
I have long been a supporter of the Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group.
Greater Shepparton City Council is aligned with the group, with strategic policies and action.
Following the public consultation, many, like myself, objected to the date of the Australia Day celebration.
It is an oversight and an insult to now approve ceremonies to be held on that well-documented day with the stated reason being that it is a gazetted holiday since 1994 when Paul Keating passed legislation to make it a permanent nationwide public holiday.
Pat Moran
Shepparton
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