Reconciliation Week begins: Call to improve awareness of local First Nations history

By Adair Winder

May 29, 2022

Cleansing: A smoking ceremony was held to mark the beginning of National Reconciliation Week. Photo by Steve Huntley

Attendees at a ceremony marking the beginning of National Reconciliation Week were encouraged to make change and learn the region’s First Nations history.

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Community members, Njernda staff and Campaspe Shire councillors gathered for a National Reconciliation Week ceremony on Friday, May 27, at Hopwood Gardens, Echuca.

A smoking ceremony was delivered alongside the simultaneous raising of both the Aboriginal and Australian flags.

Njernda chief executive Tracey Dillon said Australians should listen to First Nations people.

“To enact change we need to be meeting and having conversations with one another,” she said.

Ms Dillon said some of the ways ‘’you can begin enacting change is by educating yourself on the history of Echuca-Moama and First Nations people, by acknowledging the value of that history and by giving Aboriginal people a chance’’.

“If you want positive action from First Nations people in the community, then you need to give our people a chance because a lot of people are capable,” she said.

“Employ them and give them something to work towards and contribute to, put our history and our people on display, emphasise our strengths and our contributions to the community — because we do contribute to this community and this economy.

“Actions speak louder than words so let’s work together in the spirit of reconciliation.”

Uncle Rick Ronan said this year’s Reconciliation Week theme of Be Brave, Make a Change reminded him of his grandparents who were brave enough to leave Cummeragunja before the walk-off.

“Reconciliation Week is a very special occasion for our people,” he said

Ms Dillon said reconciliation was about healing.

“Wounds take time to heal. Some heal quickly, some need more time and some wounds are covered by a Band-Aid which are felt later on in life,” she said.

“The time for healing has to be determined by us, it cannot be rushed or forced along.”

Ms Dillon said if people wanted true healing, then people need to commit to making changes.

Uncle Rick, Ms Dillon, State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh, Campaspe Shire Deputy Mayor Colleen Gates, Campaspe Shire Councillor Rob Amos, Acting Inspector of the Campaspe Police Damian Keegan and Echuca Regional Health CEO Robyn Lindsay were just some of the prominent names who attended the ceremony.