Published on Tuesday, 24 May 2022 at 9:27:48 AM
The Town will be marking National Reconciliation Week from Friday 27 May until Friday 3 June, with a range of events happening in Hedland for all ages to enjoy.
This year’s theme is “Be Brave. Make Change” and is a challenge to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for all Australians.
Reconciliation involves building positive, respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians; enabling us to work together to close gaps and achieve fairness and justice for all.
On 27 May 1967, Australia’s most successful referendum saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise them in the Census.
On 3 June 1992, the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, the culmination of Eddie Koiki Mabo’s challenge to the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ (land belonging to no one) and leading to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.
In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first National Reconciliation Week. In 2001, Reconciliation Australia was established to continue to provide national leadership on reconciliation.
Mayor Peter Carter encourages local residents to reflect on the Week’s meaning and get involved with the events.
“This National Reconciliation Week, Hedland will Be Brave and Make Change, inviting the community to come together, participate in events and think about how we can work together to close gaps."
“There’ll be The Sapphires Musical staged at the Matt Dann Theatre and Cinema, a National Reconciliation Week Breakfast in Gratwick Hall, a screening of The Sapphires in South Hedland Square and the Wirraka Maya Health Service Reconciliation Event in South Hedland Square."
“The Town is currently developing an Aboriginal Partnership Plan, which will represent an agreement between the Town and Aboriginal peoples and communities of Hedland as to how we will work together towards achieving our community aspirations."
The Week’s events are presented and supported by the Town of Port Hedland, Matt Dann Theatre and Cinema, Wirraka Maya Health Service, Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation, Pilbara Ports Authority, HYSAG, The Junction Co., Hedland Collective and Activate South Hedland.
Please be advised that Hedland’s National Reconciliation Week events are all alcohol and other drug free.
For media information:
Laura Hawes
Manager Corporate Affairs
(08) 9158 9365 | lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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