Yarra City Council welcomes the opportunity to continue working towards reconciliation and fighting for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Together with the local community, we look forward to reflecting, learning and taking action during National Reconciliation Week.

National Reconciliation Week takes place each year from 27 May to 3 June. The week provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year’s theme is Now More Than Ever. It is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will - and must - continue.

In October 2023, Council resolved to actively endorse the ‘yes’ vote in support of the Voice to Parliament in recognition of the position endorsed by the Elders at the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. The Yarra community also overwhelming voted ‘yes’.

During National Reconciliation Week, we continue to honour Yarra’s commitment to promoting and facilitating reconciliation through relationships, respect and trust with our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

How you can support and learn about reconciliation in Yarra:

• Yarra City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people as the Traditional Owners and true sovereigns of the land now known as Yarra. Find out who the Traditional Owners are for the land where you live.
• Download the Yalinguth App and do the Yalinguth walk to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' history of Gertrude Street in Fitzroy.
• Stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by attending a local ceremony, walks, or events run by Treaty Victoria and Reconciliation Victoria.
• Learn about local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' history on the Aboriginal History of Yarra website.
• Visit the Stolen Generations Marker in Atherton Gardens in Fitzroy to remember and reflect on struggles of the Stolen Generations as well as acknowledge the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities, clans and groups who seek to heal from the past.
• Visit one of our current exhibitions showing artwork by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists – including Confined 15 at Peel Street Park in Collingwood, Fauna of the Birrarung by Uncle Claude Douglas at Fitzroy Library and Nyarntiny Kija by Kamilya White at Bargoonga Nganjin North Fitzroy Library.

We encourage everyone in our community to attend our free National Reconciliation Week events:

• Sorry Day Smoking Ceremony and Community BBQ with Blak Pearl Studios 
  Sunday 26 May 
  12pm to 3pm 
  Stolen Generations Marker, Atherton Gardens - 95 Napier Street, Fitzroy 
  
  Join us for food, music and yarns with a Welcome to Country from Uncle Ringo Terrick. Presented with Blak Pearl Studios.
  
  
• Reconciliation on the Rooftop 
  Monday 27 May 
  11am to 1pm 
  Bargoonga Nganjin North Fitzroy Library - 182-186 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North 
  
  Hear from Darren Smith, CEO of Aboriginal Housing Victoria, Travis Lovett, Yoorrook Justice Commissioner and the City of Yarra Mayor Edward Crossland. During the speeches, there will also be a family-friendly Creative Native Storytime in the Children's Library. 
  
  Book your spot.
  
  
• Reconciliation Smoking Ceremony and BBQ Lunch with First Nations Foods 
  Monday 27 May 
  12 midday to 2pm 
  North Richmond Community Health - Community Rooms 50 & 60 - 23 Lennox Street, Richmond 
  
  Learn more about reconciliation and healing in Australia and to develop a deeper understanding of our shared histories and cultures. 
  
  

You can learn more about Yarra City Council’s commitment to reconciliation and to developing connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities here.