From Wednesday 27 May to Wednesday 3 June, National Reconciliation Week is an annual opportunity for Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. 

This year’s All In theme is a call for everyone to commit wholeheartedly to Reconciliation every single day, recognising that Reconciliation is not a spectator sport and requires action to make change.

The City is committed to the journey of Reconciliation and recognises the strength of the region’s Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and First Nations community.

First Nations artists showcase

We’re transforming City Hall on Gheringhap Street with special projections from dusk until midnight during National Reconciliation Week.

The presentation is set to feature artworks by nine local First Nations artists Chloe Chatterton (Wadawurrung), Nikki McKenzie (Wadawurrung), Tracey Pocock (Wurundjeri Yorta Yorta), Michelle Searle (Awabakal), Billy-Jay (BJ) O’Toole (Wadawurrung) Jenna Oldaker (Wadawurrung), Jessi Rebel (Wiradjuri), Kiri Tawhai (Noongar, Ngapuhi and Ngati Tuwharetoa) and Matthew Chatterton (Wadawurrung).

Representing both traditional and contemporary imagery from First Nations artists living and working on Wadawurrung Country, the bold and innovative exhibition celebrates people from all walks of life being “All In” to create change. 

The projections reflect the importance of continuing care for Country and the ongoing connection between past, present and future.

Singing for Reconciliation 

We’re inviting local choirs to sign up to sing the classic land rights anthem Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil as part of the Voices for Reconciliation initiative, led by Reconciliation Australia. Last year, more than 700 choirs across Australia participated in the project. 

In addition to City staff performing the song , we are finding events for regional community choirs to perform at and demonstrate our region uniting for justice. Getting behind this initiative is Unstrung Music’s With One Voice Community Choir, who will be performing at the Geelong City Market on Saturday, 30 May from 10:30 - 11:00 am. 

All community members welcome

Led by First Nations community and Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group, Reconciliation in the Park will return to Johnstone Park on Sunday 31 May for a free, family-friendly gathering. The community are invited to walk alongside one another, grounded in truth, Culture and connection. 

Across the day, there will be opportunities to engage through music, stories, food, markets and activities that honour the strength and continuity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

The City is proud to sponsor this event.

24-hour art experience

Our Yarra Street Window Gallery, which transforms the Market Square building between Malop and Little Malop streets into a 24/7 art experience, is displaying the ‘Celebrating First Nations Artists’ exhibition. 

Featuring artists Jess McDonald, Tracey Pocock, Dr Deanne Gilson, Michelle Searle, Moreen Wellington-Lyons, Djamari Hunter and Lowell Hunter (Salty One), Kiri Tawhai and Jessi Rebel, the windows engage passersby with living culture and explore themes like Country, female resilience, seasons and family.

Acknowledging the past and embracing the future

During National Reconciliation Week, there will be a Welcome to Country and ceremony to officially name the Norlane ARC auditorium ‘Dhilpamarna (to clap your hands)’. The City worked with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to select the name, which is pronounced ‘dill-par-mar-nar’.

National Sorry Day falls on the day before Reconciliation Week (Tuesday 26 May) and commemorates the Stolen Generations who were forcibly removed from their families as children between the 1800s - 1970s. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags will fly at half-mast at City Hall to mark this day of mourning before flying at full mast during Reconciliation Week.

In the lead up to Reconciliation Week, Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House hosted a special evening of Culture, connection and community for 12- to 17-year-olds with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. 

If you’re interested in learning more about reconciliation, how you can make a difference and Victoria’s historic Treaty, visit www.reconciliationvic.org.au and www.treatyvictoria.vic.gov.au 

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM:

We invite community members to put reconciliation at the forefront of their minds this National Reconciliation Week and beyond.

There are a number of ways residents can get involved, whether that’s through visiting our beautiful projections at night, having a conversation with loved ones, attending a community or Council event or singing about reconciliation.

The City is working towards reconciliation all year round through implementing actions in our Reconciliation Action Plan, programming and partnerships, such as the Geelong Aboriginal Employment Taskforce.

Artist Chloe Chatterton:

My work explores places of significance, traditional symbolism, and the coastal, inland, and mountainous landscapes of Wadawurrung Country..

Returning to Country is both restorative and deeply meaningful, allowing me to reconnect with my cultural roots.