Residents from all around the electorate of Flinders are being encouraged to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history this National Reconciliation Week and embrace the 2018 theme Don’t Make History a Mystery: Learn. Share. Grow.
To commemorate National Reconciliation Week 2018, the Coalition Government is investing $3.6 million into Reconciliation Australia to support a range of activities in communities. Almost 400 businesses, government departments and organisations across Australia have registered events for the week.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, encouraged businesses, organisations and residents from all around the electorate to see what events were happening locally to commemorate National Reconciliation Week.
“I encourage everyone to take some time this week to attend an event in your community or workplace, or take some time out to learn and explore aspects of our shared history,” Minister Hunt said.
“One amazing local event happening this Sunday for Mabo Day will be the Willum Warrain Mornington Peninsula Reconciliation Walk in Hastings.
“The event will start at 11am at Pelican Park in Hastings and include a Welcome to Country ceremony, cultural activities and a free family BBQ.
“In line with this year’s theme of “Don’t Keep History a Mystery”, I also encourage local residents to learn something about the history of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people from our own area.
“Here in Flinders, we live on the land of the Bunurong people, members of the Kulin nation. Their lands stretched from above Frankston all the way to Leongatha, encompassing the Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island and south-west Gippsland.
“The Coalition Government is committed to supporting all Australians to know the history of our First Australian’s contribution to our nation including through a landmark project in partnership with Professor Marcia Langton and the University of Melbourne to develop educational resources to aid the teaching of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, language and history in our schools.
National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June and is bookended by the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum on 27 May, and Mabo Day on 3 June, which celebrates the historic High Court decision in the Mabo case in 1992.
“National Reconciliation Week is time to reflect and acknowledge the contribution First Australians have made to the nation the country we are today.” Minister Hunt said.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, said this year’s National Reconciliation Week was an opportunity for all Australians from all walks of life to celebrate and reflect on the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“To know the history of Australia, you must know the history of our First Australians and the world’s oldest continuing culture, the injustices and struggles, and the success and resilience of its people,” Minister Scullion said.
Further information on activities and events in electorate visit www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week