Page 210 - Week 01 - Thursday, 14 February 2019
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together. Today I formally congratulate and offer my thanks to the members of the council for their efforts in successfully delivering the very first event on such an important day, the nation’s only Reconciliation Day public holiday.
I am told that over 8,000 Canberrans from a diverse range of ages and backgrounds attended Reconciliation in the Park. The event offered a range of activities and opportunities throughout the day to learn about and experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures was on display at the event, including bush tucker stalls demonstrating how the land was used in a sustainable way, basket weaving, and interactive dance as a way of experiencing culture. Attendees also had the opportunity to talk directly with members of the United Ngunnawal Elders Council to learn about the true history of our region. I am told that country and the importance of connection with country was a regular topic of conversation.
From all accounts from those who attended, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, it was an event where the whole community could come together to share and learn from each other. This was our aim—to ensure that the day was not just seen as a public holiday without meaning.
Reconciliation Day was also supported by the introduction of the Reconciliation Day grants program, which made $50,000 available to the community to conduct, coordinate or participate in reconciliation events in the lead-up to and on Reconciliation Day. I am pleased to say the ACT government awarded grants in excess of this amount to 19 local community organisations to progress reconciliation initiatives. The grants were able to support events like the Tuggeranong Netball Association’s reconciliation round and the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust bush tucker and boomerangs program.
Earlier this month applications opened for the 2019 Reconciliation Day grants program. This is a great way for community organisations, individuals and educational institutions to get involved in Reconciliation Day. It is important for Reconciliation Day to reach all parts of Canberra, and I encourage members to let their communities know of the opportunities available.
Now that the solid foundation exists to support future reconciliation events, the ACT government is formalising the governance arrangements of the council, to build on the momentum and goodwill demonstrated in 2018. I am happy to announce that the ACT government will retain the current co-chairs, members and ambassadors for the 2019 event. This arrangement will allow the council to continue its work in achieving the vision it has set for creating a family friendly, safe, non-judgemental space for the broader community to continue a conversation about our shared history.
Governance arrangements include retaining current members of the council who wish to continue for the 2019 event and appointing half of those members until 31 August 2019 and half until 31 August 2020, ensuring that we keep knowledge and experience; filling any vacancies for 2019 in consultation with the council, the office
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