Bass Coast will be celebrating National Reconciliation Week by hosting a Community Forum with two special interactive discussion panels to raise awareness on how to become a champion for reconciliation.
This year's event, themed "Be A Voice for Generations," encourages everyone to act today for a reconciled tomorrow. The event is being hosted by the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network with the support of Reconciliation Victoria. The Forum will be held at the Inverloch Community Hub on Friday 2 June.
The day's program will kick off at 10:30am with a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. The first panel discussion, "Community Voices", will begin at 11am followed by discussion time.
After a lunch break, the program will resume with the second panel discussion "Reconciliation Action Plans". The day will conclude with afternoon tea and a yarning.
Panel discussion 1: Community Voices Listen to and learn from our esteemed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander panellists who will share their unique perspectives, experiences and insights on reconciliation and the impact of historical injustices and current issues for their communities. Panellists include the former CEO of the Healing Foundation and the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care, Richard Weston and Rueben Berg, Member of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria and former Chairperson of Westernport Water.
Panel discussion 2: Reconciliation Action Plans Discover the impact of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) on organisations as we hear from those who have undertaken the journey. Our panellists will share their experiences, challenges, and successes of implementing RAPs in their workplaces. Panellists will be joined by Nicole Findlay, Chief Executive Officer of Reconciliation Victoria who’s work history has involved working in consultation and partnership with Traditional Owners and First Nations peoples and communities.
The Reconciliation Forum is open to all members of the community, and admission is free.
To secure your spot we encourage you to book your tickets at: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=1049667
National Reconciliation Week is celebrated annually from 27 May to 3 June and marks two significant milestones in Australia's reconciliation journey: the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. The week provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how we can work together to achieve reconciliation.
Bass Coast Reconciliation Network has members from Bass Coast Health, Westernport Water, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bass Coast Shire Council, Bunurong Land Council, Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group, Myli - my community library, West Gippsland CMA, South Gippsland Water and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members.
Bass Coast Reconciliation Network Chair, Kate Adams said, “I invite everyone to join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion on reconciliation, to ask questions, contribute to a meaningful discussion and learn how we can all play a part in this important journey.
“Whether you are a business owner, employee, or community member, this is an opportunity to learn from real world examples of how RAPs can contribute to reconciliation and create positive change.”
For more information on the National Reconciliation Community Forum, please visit: www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/reconciliation