Gannawarra Shire and local health group representatives with National Reconciliation Week Walk participants outside Mallee District Aboriginal Services' Kerang site.
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Gannawarra Shire’s annual National Reconciliation Week celebrations continue to grow in popularity, with a record crowd gathering recently for festivities.
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Close to 400 people joined in events held outside the Kerang council building and The Glasshouse, made possible by Gannawarra Shire Council in partnership with the Kerang Elders and Leaders Group, Mallee District Aboriginal Services and Northern District Community Health.
“Kerang is renowned for its National Reconciliation Week celebrations, with another record crowd taking the opportunity to learn more about First Nations histories and cultures,” council chief executive Geoff Rollinson said.
Novah Hancock during the smoking ceremony during Gannawarra's National Reconciliation Week celebrations.
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“This year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week is ‘All In’, which is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.
“This message was evident as part of our celebrations, which attracted school children from across Gannawarra, including Kerang and Cohuna, as well as Aboriginal Elders and other community leaders.
“Council and our partners acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land within the Gannawarra Shire, the Barapa Barapa, Wamba Wamba, and Yorta Yorta peoples, and thank the wider community for joining us.’’
The event started outside the Kerang council building with Mayor Garner Smith joining Uncle Ray Davis in raising the Aboriginal and Australian flags, before community leaders joined Elders and residents in walking to The Glasshouse.
Celebrations at The Glasshouse included a Smoking Ceremony and Barapa Barapa Welcome to Country led by Hack Webster and local children, storytelling, cultural sharing activities, the announcement of winners from the National Reconciliation Week poster colouring competition and a morning tea.
Gannawarra Shire Mayor Garner Smith and Uncle Ray Davis raise the Australian and Aboriginal flags outside the Kerang council building.
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Children from numerous schools across the Gannawarra Shire attended National Reconciliation Week celebrations.
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Gannawarra Shire Mayor Garner Smith and Uncle Ray Davis lead the reconciliation walk through Kerang's central business district.
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