About 350 people participated in Gannawarra Shire Council's National Reconciliation Week events. Photos: Supplied
A record crowd gathered in Kerang on Wednesday, May 28, as part of events to mark National Reconciliation Week in Gannawarra Shire Council.
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More than 350 people attended the events, hosted in partnership with Mallee District Aboriginal Services, Northern District Community Health and the Kerang Elders and Leaders Group.
Council chief executive Geoff Rollinson said it was great to see the number of residents joining in the week continue to grow each year.
“The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025 is ‘Bridging Now to Next’, which calls on all of us to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward towards reconciliation as past lessons guide us,” he said.
“This message was evident as part of our celebrations, which attracted school children from across Gannawarra and beyond, including Kerang, Cohuna, Koondrook, Murrabit, and Barham, as well as Aboriginal Elders and other community leaders.”
Festivities began outside the Kerang council building, with Deputy Mayor Ross Stanton joining Ray Davis in raising the Aboriginal flag.
Ray Davis and Deputy Mayor Ross Stanton raising the Aboriginal flag.
Community leaders later joined local Elders and residents in walking to the Kerang Memorial Hall.
A smoking ceremony, Barapa Barapa Welcome to Country led by Hack Webster, a reading by Aunty Lil Murray, and music from Yorta Yorta musician Madi Colville-Walker were held at the hall.
Aunty Lil Murray reading Country at the Kerang Memorial Hall.
Yorta Yorta musician Madi Colville-Walker performing for National Reconciliation Week.
Art made by local Indigenous children and the Kethawil Pembengguk and Tyipen Kwe youth groups were on display for attendees.
Mr Rollinson said the council acknowledges the Barapa Barapa, Wamba Wamba, and Yorta Yorta people as the traditional owners of the land.
“(We) thank the wider community for joining us in walking and celebrating First Nations history and culture together as part of this year’s Reconciliation Week celebrations,” he said.
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