The Bridge Youth Service staff with cultural facilitator Nartarsha Bamblett.
National Reconciliation Week is celebrated every year from 27 May to 3 June, marking two pivotal landmarks: the 1967 referendum and the 1992 Mabo judgment.
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‘Bridging Now to Next’ was this year’s theme, highlighting the steps needed to build a more united and respectful nation.
The Bridge Youth Service held an internal event in Shepparton, on Yorta Yorta Country, for its 45 staff and board members to listen, learn and reflect on the continuing path to reconciliation.
“We want to learn, to understand, both the ancient culture and the local culture that influences young people and their families in the communities we serve,” chief executive Melinda Lawley said.
Hosted by youth and family support program manager Renae Brophy, the event was designed to amplify First Nations voices and deepen workplace cultural connection.
“I was honoured to organise and attend a powerful and deeply moving internal reconciliation event that brought truth-telling, cultural connection and meaningful stories with hands-on experiences to the forefront,” Ms Brophy said.
The event included sessions with proud Yorta Yorta woman and keynote speaker Nartarsha Bamblett.
The Bridge Youth Service chief executive Melinda Lawley with keynote speaker Nartarsha Bamblett and youth and family services program manager Renae Brophy.
“Reconciliation is not only happening between you and First Nations people, but it's also taking place in First Nations people themselves,” Ms Bamblett said.
“Reconciling with the past and history, reconciling with what can be in the future ... “That’s the bridge — it's beyond the gaps and beyond the stats,” she said.
After the keynote, participants joined a weaving session led by Karperap woman and First Nations specialist consultant Bobbie Pepper.
Weaving bracelets and baskets offered a space for attendees to reflect and connect to their cultural heritage.
Lunch and creative exercises further contributed to a feeling of cultural respect, togetherness and peace, according to staff members.
The Bridge Youth Service is now working on its second Reconciliation Action Plan, under the Innovate framework.
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