Bayside Council celebrated National Reconciliation Week with a Smoking Ceremony and Flag Raising at the Rockdale Town Hall on Thursday 29 May.

Following the ceremony one of the original Freedom Riders Ann Curthoys shared her experiences and insights into the significance of the Freedom Ride. Local Traditional Elder and Chair of the Bayside Reconciliation Action Plan Committee, Aunty Barb Simms also spoke on Bayside’s reconciliation journey.

Earlier in the week, on Tuesday 27 May, children from local schools enjoyed a guided tour of the native Bush Tucker Garden in Sir Joseph Banks Park where they learnt more about First Nations culture and history.

This was a great opportunity for our younger generation to engage with National Reconciliation Week.

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June every year. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Mayor Edward McDougall said

“I would like to thank everyone who joined us to recognise and acknowledge National Reconciliation Week,” Mayor Edward McDougall said.

“I am proud the Council continues to provide opportunities to learn about our shared history and explore how we can all contribute to reconciliation in Australia.”