A host of events are being held around the region to celebrate culture, heritage and diversity.
Traditional Custodians, the Sunshine Coast First Nations community and council representatives met on Jinibara lands to launch National Reconciliation Week.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said Council was dedicated to further reconciliation in our region.
The week-long schedule includes exhibitions, talks, music and sport.
Program of events
Wash My Soul in the River’s Flow
Sunshine Coast Council, in collaboration with Caloundra Film Festival, presents Wash My Soul in the River’s Flow as part of Reconciliation Week 2022. The film takes you behind the scenes of the legendary 2004 concert Kura Tungar – Songs from the River. Through conversation, music and stunning imagery the documentary exploring the lives and love story of Ruby Hunter and Archie Roach
It’s from 7pm on Monday, May 30 at Caloundra Cinema, 11 Bulcock Street, Caloundra. For more information, visit Sunshine Coast Film Festival.
Aunty Betty Memorial Reconciliation Walk
All are welcome to join Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group Inc. to celebrate the life and work of Patron Aunty Betty McMahon at the 2022 Aunty Betty Memorial Reconciliation Walk. Traditional Custodian Aunty Bridgette Chilli will welcome us to her Country and perform a smoking ceremony. She will also share historical culture of the area during a 1.5km wheelchair-accessible circuit. Food and drink will be available from SCRGI sponsors and Saltwater Eco Tours.
It’s from 10am on Tuesday, May 31 at Point Park, Mooloolaba. For event details, visit Facebook – Aunty Betty Memorial Reconciliation Walk.
‘Mimburi Ninyangurra’ Exhibition and Artist Talks
Jinibara Culture man BJ Murphy presents his first solo exhibition, with a series of sculptural installations and a songman performance in this not-to-be missed exhibition at Munnimbah-dja Welcome Place in Maleny.
It’s on display until Saturday, July 2 at the Munnimbah-Dja ‘Welcome Place’, 20 Coral Street, Maleny. For event details, visit Horizon Festival.
Twilight Sister’s Reconciliation Dinner and Campfire Yarns
Join Nungeena Aboriginal Corporation for Women’s Business for a two-course bush tucker meal under the stars gazing across to Mt Beerwah, mother mountain of the Glasshouse Mountains. Share in fun company with tunes and singalong around the campfire, a children’s magic show, storytelling, mocktails, and more.
It’s from 3pm, Saturday, June 4 at Nungeena, 60 Streek Road, Glasshouse Mountains. For event details and tickets, visit Eventbrite.
Suncorp Super Netball Indigenous Round
USC Stadium has become a fortress for visiting Suncorp Super Netball teams and Sunshine Coast Lightning wants you loud and proud as they come up against Collingwood Magpies for First Nations Round.
It’s from 2.30pm on Sunday, June 5 at the USC Stadium, 32 Olympic Way, Sippy Downs. To purchase tickets, visit Sunshine Coast Lightning.
For more information about National Reconciliation Week 2022, visit Sunshine Coast Council – National Reconciliation Week.
Online Library Resources
Sunshine Coast Council Libraries will host a range of activities and provide resources across the week.
They will run until Thursday, June 3. For more information, visit Sunshine Coast Council Libraries – NRW.
A shared future that embraces culture and diversity
Mr Mark Jamieson said, at the launch of National Reconciliation Week, that Council was determined to further reconciliation on the Sunshine Coast.
“Today was a great opportunity to gather together, build strong and respectful relationships between First Nations people and non-First Nations people, celebrate the start of National Reconciliation Week and the achievements, commitments and partnerships with the First Nations community,” he said.
“Sunshine Coast Council was the first local government in Queensland to have developed a Reconciliation Action Plan in partnership with Reconciliation Australia in 2011.
“Our Sunshine Coast Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-22 continues to place a high priority on building strong collaborations and partnerships and supporting social and economic opportunities for the First Nations community.
“The Sunshine Coast local region has a rich First Nations history and I look forward to seeing the RAP work to support a shared future that embraces culture, heritage and diversity.”
Community Development Portfolio Councillor David Law said reconciliation was a long journey we must undertake together.
“This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, Be Brave Make Change, asks us to make change, beginning with brave actions in our daily lives, as we all have a role to play in working towards reconciliation,” Cr Law said.
“We must all commit to learning about our shared histories and exploring how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
“Council is committed to continuing to prioritise meaningful and collaborative working relationships with Traditional Custodians and First Nations people within our region to build a strong, inclusive and connected community on the Sunshine Coast.”
School’s special assembly
Sunshine Coast Grammar School will hold its annual National Sorry Day Assembly to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generation Survivors, reflect on its Reconciliation Action Plan and recognise this year’s First National Ambassadors. The school’s elected First Nation Ambassadors, Lucas Brodrick and Amalia Noble, will be presented with inaugural Indigenous Scholarships and they will unveil a Reconciliation Garden known as the Wunya Garden. Grammar’s girls rugby team will also be presented with Indigenous jerseys.
The special assembly will be held on Friday, May 27, at 8.45am at the Grammar Hall and at 9.30am in the Wunya Garden.
Help us deliver more stories that inform, connect and celebrate the Sunshine Coast by signing up for our free Daily News Feed: Please go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article and add your name and email address.
