By Olivia Condous
The City of Melton will mark National Reconciliation Week next week, with events to bring the whole community together.
The annual week runs from May 27 to June 3 and is designed to encourage Australians to learn about shared histories and cultures, to explore how they can contribute to achieving reconciliation.
Reconciliation is about building better relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider community.
Melton council is holding a musical event on June 2 with Wiradjuri soprano Shauntai Batzke performing operatic arias as well as self-composed pieces in her traditional language.
Local artist and Kamillaroi woman Lucy Webster will open the event with a talk on her exhibition Winanaga Burruguu, which is currently on display at the Melton library.
Ms Webster said it was “absolutely incredible” to be a part of the reconciliation week event.
“I’m just absolutely honored to be able to get involved in these things.”
Ms Webster said her exhibition explores cultural history and significant meanings within the Aboriginal community.
“For me, it’s about sharing my culture and bringing awareness that it is still alive today,” she said.
Ms Webster said this year’s reconciliation week theme of ‘Be Brave. Make Change’ symbolised taking steps in an important journey.
“Reconciliation isn’t just about the Aboriginal community, it’s about everyone else coming together as well, and people being brave, taking that step to get involved.”
She said she felt excited that the community was reaching out to involve her in events like those for reconciliation week.
“I just look forward to the fact that there’s so many different places and people that are inviting me to come to these things with open arms.”
The City of Melton will also hold a flag raising ceremony event on June 3, with special guest speakers including local Aboriginal community members and traditional owners.
