The Bundaberg Region will mark National Reconciliation Week with several free community events from Saturday 27 May until Saturday 3 June.
This year’s theme is Be a Voice for Generations which encourages all Australians to speak up for reconciliation in tangible ways in their everyday lives.
The week opened with a screening of John Pilger’s feature documentary Utopia at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre on 27 May.
The Port Curtis Coral Coast (PCCC) Trust has invited the community to join them for a day of connection and celebrating history at their National Reconciliation Week Celebration on 29 May.
The event, organised in collaboration with Yourtown, includes a barbecue lunch with fun activities for all as well as a hamper giveaway and the chance for visitors to make their mark on a special mural painting.
PCCC Trust spokesperson Shay Pearce said everyone was welcome at their celebration event.
“Reconciliation is everyone’s business,” Shay said.
“The importance is to come together, recognising the past but changing the present, strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people, ensuring equality… for the benefit of everyone.”
Other events include Stepping Black’s Weaving and Painting Our Stories event at Alexandra Park Rotunda on 28 May as well as cultural tours through the IWC Building on 30 May.
There will also be free take-home activity packs will be available for kids throughout the week from the Bundaberg Library, the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and the Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre.
The week will culminate on Mabo Day on 3 June with a showcase concert by the Choir of Dreams, a group of local First Nations youth fulfilling their on-stage aspirations.
While all events are free, some bookings are required so follow the links below.
National Reconciliation Week activities
UTOPIA (2013) film by John Pilger
When: Saturday 27 May, 2 to 4 pm
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Cost: Free (viewer discretion is advised), bookings required here
Weaving and Painting Our Stories
When: Sunday 28 May, 10 am to 1.30 pm
Where: Alexandra Park Rotunda (Quay Street)
Cost: Free event, more information here
PCCC National Reconciliation Week Celebration
When: Monday 29 May, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: PCCC Office 3, Maryborough Street
Cost: Free event, bookings required here
Cultural Tours through IWC Building
When: Tuesday 30 May, 10 am
Where: IWC Health & Wellbeing Centre
Cost: Free event, bookings required here
Train to Reconciliation
When: Wednesday 31 May, 10 am to noon
Where: Café 1928 Botanic Gardens
Choir of Dreams Showcase Concert
When: Saturday 3 June, 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm
Where: Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Cost: Free event, bookings required here
