PrintReconciliation Week
The word Maroondah is derived from the aboriginal word ‘maroon’, meaning ‘leaves’, which symbolises the City of Maroondah's green environment. The original inhabitants of the area were the Wurundjeri people. The first white settlers arrived in the 1830s.
What is National Reconciliation Week?
Reconciliation Week is held annually between 27 May and 3 June. Activities and events are held during this week to encourage Australians to talk about unity and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and non-Indigenous Australians and to respect and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and to value justice and equity for all Australians. Reconciliation Week always begins on May 27 to highlight the date of the 1967 referendum in which 90 per cent of Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution which discriminated against Indigenous Australians.
Maroondah City Council’s involvement in Reconciliation Week
Maroondah City Council co-ordinates an annual event during National Reconciliation Week to acknowledge the traditional owners of the Maroondah land, to learn about indigenous culture and heritage and to celebrate reconciliation amongst all Australians.
On Wednesday 27 May 2009 an event was held at Maroondah Federation Estate. Celebrations included:
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A Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony
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A Flag Ceremony conducted by students from Aquinas College, Kalinda Primary School and Warranwood Primary School
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Cr Alex Makin launched Council’s Reconciliation Policy
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A mesmerising display by the internationally acclaimed One Fire Aboriginal Dance Troupe
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Visual displays by local reconciliation groups, Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah and Maroondah Movement for Reconciliation
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A range of inspiring indigenous workshops aimed at developing student awareness of indigenous culture and heritage including clap stick making, storytelling, basket coiling and traditional music and dance
Specific details about the 2010 event and other events being held within Maroondah during Reconciliation Week will be available closer to the date.
For further information contact our Cultural Events and Liaison Officer on 03 9298 4553.