Helping to build a shared future

May 29, 2008

Section: News

Ever since Europeans first began to settle on our nation’s shores, the relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous occupants has been tumultuous.

Today the overriding attitude of most Australians seems to be about a shared future and mutual respect.

Unfortunately though the aftershocks of previous decades of injustice can still be felt, and moving forward requires some understanding of the difficult history left in modern Australia’s wake.

It is for both these reasons; understanding the past and looking toward the future, that Australia celebrates Reconciliation Week each year.

In 2008 Reconciliation Week runs from May 27 to June 3, and in Wollongong the week will give special focus to the role the younger generations have to play in carrying forward the reconciliation message, with a Reconciliation Week Youth Festival.

The festival will essentially be a celebration, with live music, circus lessons, performances from the Wadi Wadi Tribe and a free sausage sizzle.

Young people will also have the chance to work with local indigenous artist Jo Davis, making artistic panels for the walls of the centre.

Coordinator of Youth Services at Wollongong City Council, Megan Mckell, said the festival is designed to help young people celebrate equality and diversity in the community.

“Through the Reconciliation Week Youth Festival, we are hoping to take this message of reconciliation to the younger generations, and help promote cultural diversity within the local community,” Ms Mckell told the Wollongong and Northern Leader.

Sharrilyn Robinson from the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council said it is essential that the young people of today, no matter what their background, come together to move the country toward a positive future.

“The youth of today are going to be the leaders of this country tomorrow and it’s important to instil in them that to move forward we need to do it as one,” she said.

“It is important that the youth of today recognise and know all the history of this country.”