Celebrating NRW 2023
Last week, we celebrated National Reconciliation Week (NRW) and its theme “Be a Voice for Generations” in many different areas of the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL).
Gathering at Charcoal Lane
A major highlight of the week was when we gathered on Wurundjeri land at the iconic Charcoal Lane. A venue with significant history, it was home the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) between 1973 to 1992, who still manages the venue.
The event began with a Welcome to Country from Wurundjeri man, Alex Kerr, before hearing from our Chief Services Officer, Julie Ware, and Craig Holloway from VAHS. We also heard from Community Engagement Lead Aboriginal Partnerships, Uncle John Baxter before Brent Watkins from Culture Evolves gave a yidaki and dance performance. Finally, the event was closed out by our Executive Director, Travers McLeod who gave his own reconciliation reflection before everyone enjoyed a barbecue lunch.
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Exploring reconciliation at Jindi
Our Jindi Family and Community Centre explored the themes of reconciliation in their playgroup sessions for the week. Using arts and crafts, children created hand paintings and created a First Nations inspired table with Australian animals, inspired symbol rocks and flags as part of their learning activities.
Deadly displays in our BSL Op Shops
Our BSL Op Shops also let their voices of reconciliation be heard with some an incredible visual merchandising and deadly displays. Many stores took the opportunity to theme their merchandise in the colours of the black, yellow and red of the Aboriginal flag
Thank you for sharing your voice for reconciliation. Don’t forget our NRW events haven’t ended yet. You can still register to attend the Yidaki meditation at NDIS Preston online or in-person on Thursday 22 June or visit the Unfinished Business exhibition at the Manningham Art Gallery in Doncaster.