By Dongyun Kwon
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) in Yarra Ranges will culminate with a special event in Healesville.
The event Now More Than Ever, which is named after the theme of this year’s NRW will be held at The Memo on Wednesday 5 June.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Sophie Todorov said she is looking forward to YRC’s annual Reconciliation Week Event.
“This event is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; a reminder that we want to achieve better outcomes for First Nations people; a call to action that we need to prioritise connection, respect, action and change,” she said.
“We’ll have talented and renowned performers, presenters and groups at this event, which community can attend in person (subject to free ticket availability), or watch the livestream on the Council website during or after the event.
“Our Reconciliation Week events have received significant and positive feedback from the community in previous years, and we believe this year will be no different. I encourage everyone in the community to take the time and attend or watch.”
Two programs are lined up for the event; an invigorating and moving performance by Na Djinang Circus (NDC) and a musical performance by Bumpy.
NDC is a Melbourne-based contemporary circus company working with diverse young artists to share unique insight with the next generation’s hands and feet.
NDC artistic custodian Harley Mann, who is a Wakka Wakka man, said the team would perform a show called Arterial in Healesville for the first time.
“It is a contemporary circus show that explores the connection that First Nations people have with each other; the land, history and stories,” he said.
“There is not a lot of contemporary circus or even traditional circus that explores the experiences of Aboriginal people, so this work is an all First Nations’ work that taps into the lived experiences and stories of our people.
“It means that the way stories are held together (the shapes, physicalities and the circus skills) has a quality and aesthetic that is related to our culture.”
Mr Mann said the outcomes of the referendum have been quite divisive and painful for a lot of people.
“I think, now more than ever, Reconciliation Week and the work associated with reconciliation, acknowledging and recognising the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is essential,” he said.
“What is important about doing it in the ways of art and telling stories is showing that it is not a political debate but is inviting, collaborative and community oriented.”
The event is free but booking is essential at the following website, yarraranges.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/134031
