Time to change up Reconciliation Week

The City of Greater Geraldton is ‘changing up’ Reconciliation Week events this year by inviting other organisations to come on board with their own events and activities.

Mayor Ian Carpenter said that this year’s Reconciliation Week theme ‘It’s time to change it up’ meant that more organisations and members of the community are involved in Reconciliation Week than ever before hosting events and activities that celebrate the spirit of reconciliation.

“This year the City has changed it up by asking the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and sponsor or host events and activities of their own during the week-long celebration which takes place from Wednesday 27 May toWednesday June 3 2015,” he said.

“The 2007 Young Australia of the Year Tania Major, a recognised leader and advocate for Aboriginal people at both the state and national level will be speaking about ‘Walking in both worlds’ at the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health on Thursday 28 May, 4pm-6pm,

“Mid West Ports will be paying tribute to Kenny Maher (deceased) for 28 years of service with the Port and launching their own Reconciliation Action Plan at a morning tea on Friday 29 May and the Bundiyarra Irra Wangga Language Centre have activities planned for the Mullewa community on Friday 29 May from 8.30am-12 noon at the Mullewa Town Hall,” Mr Carpenter said.

The highlight of the week is the Reconciliation Concert featuring stand-up comedian, dance and rap artist Sean Choolburra and the Yamaji Music Collective. Sean who is known as the funniest and most enduring Aboriginal Australian comedian will be accompanied by five well-known local acts.   Tickets are on sale now at the QPT Box Office, Civic Centre and Geraldton Regional Library at a special early bird price of $15 for adults and group/family tickets are only $10 each.  The concert is on Friday 29 May at 7pm at Queen’s Park Theatre.

Other activities during the week include Gunnado Dance Performance Spectacular on Thursday 28 May 9am-3pm at Gunnado Farm, Aboriginal Arts, Crafts and Culinary Markets on Friday 29 May 5pm-9pm at Queens Park Theatre forecourt and Aboriginal stories will be shared during Oral History morning on Wednesday 3 June, 10am-11.30am at the Geraldton Regional Library.