Throughout Reconciliation Week Nudge attended a variety of events to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories. Please see below the events that took place as well as a story from Main Roads trainee, Cynthia Nelly, on what Reconciliation Week means to her.
Stolen Generations Artwork unveiled at Point Walter Reserve
On Tuesday the 29th May an artwork acknowledging the Stolen Generations was unveiled at Point Walter Reserve. Nudge MSD, Matt Paki attended the unveiling. The sculpture on behalf of the City of Melville was presented to the public as part of National Reconciliation Week. It was designed by Hamilton Hill artist Sharyn Egan and Northam artist Nic Compton with help from the community.
Leanee Woods, Sharyn Egan (Artist), Nic Compton (Artist) and Shahna Rind pictured in front of the artwork.
Reconciliation WA Breakfast
On Friday morning, 1st June, Nudge ED, Ash Little and MSD, Matt Paki attended the breakfast event hosted by Reconciliation WA at Frasers, Kings Park. The theme, “Don’t keep history a mystery” was highlighted through the production of a booklet highlighting some of WA’s most poignant historical events. The invitation list included dignitaries, political, cultural, community and business leaders.
The event was opened by Dr Richard Walley and included addresses from four speakers – Mr Fred Chaney AO, Mrs Roni Forrest, Prof Simon Forrest and Mr Glenn Kelly, all with valid points and sharing of their respective experiences.
Reconciliation Walk
On Friday afternoon, 1st June, and continuing with celebrations for Reconciliation Week 2018 – Nudge ED, Ash Little, MSD, Matt Paki, CSD, Holi Jackson and AA, Sam Kimberley attended the Reconciliation Walk hosted by Reconciliation WA at Elizabeth Quay.
Hundreds gathered to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories. Noongar dancers entertained the crowd ahead of the smoking ceremony which started the Reconciliation Walk. The large crowd wandered around Elizabeth Quay, instructed by Whadjuk people, to experience the six Indigenous seasons Djoba, Djeran, Birak, Makuru, Kambarang and Bunuru.
Cynthia Nelly (Main Roads Trainee, Geralton) describes in her own words what Reconciliation Weeks means to her:
Reconciliation week to me means our nation coming together as one showing respect and compassion and understanding for one another. Building stronger relationships between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It means sharing the elements of Truth, Justice, Forgiveness, Healing, Reparation, and Love.
Reflecting on our tragic history, learning and moving forward and commencing friendship and partnership, providing equality to all and closing gap between us all and accepting one another no matter the differences.
I feel that it is important we celebrate this because it provides a better pathway for our future for us all standing together strong accepting our special unity we have in Australia.
I enjoy my job role as the Clerical Trainee in Main Roads Geraldton office, answering calls, handling mail, opening and closing the office duties and having great responsibility to the records and providing service to our customers and many other tasks, working alongside my co-workers observing and learning about what each individual employee does here is a great experience for me and working with such an amazing team who have welcomed me with open arms into such a great working environment.
I celebrate my culture by showing people that I am a strong proud Yamaji woman that respects my past and present and future elders. I show passion and courage in everything I do, Family is everything in our culture, and knowing where you come from and belong means a lot to us. Everything I learn and gather from my family I will pass down to our next generation.
Cynthia Nelly (Trainee), Paul O’Meara (Business Manager) and Shahna Rind (Nudge) pictured above.