By JESSE GRAHAM
RECONCILIATION Week kicked off literally last week at Worawa Aboriginal College, when the school held its annual Reconciliation Sports Carnival with more than a dozen schools.
The carnival was held on Tuesday 26 May, with 13 schools gathering at the campus for a day of sports and music under the banner of Reconciliation Week.
The event coincided with National Sorry Day, which aims to remember the mistreatment of the Indigenous population, such those who became part of the Stolen Generation.
Worawa College executive director Aunty Lois Peeler said the carnival exemplified the spirit of reconciliation, with schools from around the Yarra Valley and the state competing.
“Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort,” Ms Peeler said.
“Worawa Aboriginal College truly values the relationship with schools that take part in our annual Reconciliation Sports Carnival.
“The day truly exemplifies the Spirit of Reconciliation and was a fantastic day for all participants.”
At the carnival, the Eaglehawks took on Melbourne Grammar School in a football match, facing off while a netball tournament was held between many of the visiting schools.
Though the footy match was hard-fought, MGS came out on top by four points, scoring 12.05 (77) against the Eaglehawks’ 10.13 (73).
Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (RAJAC) executive officer Tom Bell said the Eaglehawks was a team sponsored by the Hawthorn Football Club, and was part of an initiative to engage with young Indigenous men.
“We’re engaging with young men under the age of 21 with positive opportunities, whether they’re physical out on the field, or educational, with training that’s practical for employment opportunities,” Mr Bell said.
“We work around trying to close the gap between the incarceration rate of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.”
Reconciliation Week is held from Wednesday 27 May to Wednesday 3 June.
For more photos, see mail.starcommunity.com.au.
Worawa Reconciliation Sports Carnival results:
Little League
Badger Creek PS 3.2 (20) d Healesville PS 2.4 (16)
AFL
MGS 12.05 (77) d Eaglehawks 10.13 (73)
Netball
Grand Final: Shelford (15) d MGGS (3)
