The Yarra Ranges Reconciliation Week – Bridging Now to Next event provided the platform for powerful reconciliation themes to be presented and understood at a deep personal level.
Those present and watching the live stream came away with the strong awareness that Aboriginal culture, history and heritage is the culture, heritage and history of all Australians, of all that call this land home, so that it becomes one story, the story of who we all are.
Wurundjeri woman, Stacy Piper, gave a moving Welcome to Country speaking of the strong cultural connections within the Yarra Ranges with the legendary Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, regarded by many as the spiritual home of Aboriginality in Victoria, just a few kilometres up the road.
The Mayor set a powerful tone from the outset of his speech, acknowledging recent poor behaviour across Anzac Day and declaring zero tolerance for racism.
This prompted Ziggy Ramo to adapt his set, delivering the powerful and confronting song April 25th, which draws attention to Australia’s veneration of the Anzacs while Indigenous Australians face ongoing disadvantage.
Courtney Ugle delivered a keynote that left the audience emotionally raw and charged after sharing her deeply personal story.
Displaying extraordinary strength, resilience, and true compassion, she was one of the most inspirational speakers many had ever witnessed.
Many tears were shed as the audience responded with their own accounts of domestic violence – looking towards a future where out children are confident in seeing and calling out the red flags.
The second half featured Nikki from Oonah, who shared insights about vital work happening in our local community.
Nikki spoke to a range of community services provided by Oonah under a reconciliation model that welcomes all non-Aboriginal fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters etc where all people are acknowledged and valued .
The event concluded with a generous, profound and uplifting panel discussion between Elder Uncle Richard Frankland, Ash Dargan, and Dr Andrew Peters exploring “where to from here for reconciliation.”
Uncle Richard and Ash also performed two beautiful musical sets that added cultural depth to the day. No one witnessing this performance will ever forget hearing about Uncle Richards cat’s challenges with existential angst particularly with the relationship with his human and the occasional tigersnake encounter.
“Riveting. Really amazing what all of you do behind the scenes. I’ve been coming here for a long time and I was particularly impressed with your AV today,” one long-time attendee said.
“Your entire team all exhibits much respect for our Indigenous community. It’s really great to see,” another noted.
