Redlands to celebrate an historic National Reconciliation Week

Redland City Council mayor Karen Williams said the week held special significance and would provide community groups and council the chance to embrace the theme “let’s take the next steps”.

“This year marks 50 years since the referendum on 27 May, 1967 which saw the vast majority of Australians vote for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be counted on the census and give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for them,” Cr Williams said.

“This was a major point in our nation’s reconciliation journey and one that it is important to acknowledge and remember.

“This year also marks 25 years since the Mabo decision on 3 June 1992, which is also a significant moment in our shared history.

“Council is proud to promote events and activities that acknowledge, highlight and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and cultures.

“This May, we are inviting everyone in our wonderfully-diverse community to join in the NRW activities, including stunning art exhibitions and a display in the Cleveland Library.

“The IndigiScapes Centre’s largest event of the year – Indigi Day Out – will also include a welcome to country and elements to celebrate reconciliation in our community.

“Our own staff will also be given the opportunity to learn more about the history of National Reconciliation Week and the traditional owners of our area, the Quandamooka People.”

Events include: Redland Art Gallery exhibitions and events:

 6 May – 20 June Jarjums Life Museum: Redland Art Gallery, Capalaba;

 14 May – 25 June My Country, I Still Call Australia Home: Contemporary Art from Black Queensland, Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland;

 14 May – 25 June Nandeebie Dreemz, Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland;

 29 May – 2 June Online Curated Art Facebook exhibition from the RAG Collection www.facebook.com/redlandartgallery/;

 29 May – 2 June 2017 Colour Theory screenings at Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland;

Library:

 26 May to 3 June Celebrating milestones: Taking the next steps poster display, on display in the Elders Room, Cleveland Library. To book the space please contact 3829 8576;

 27 May, 1 – 2pm, Keep Calm and Origami for One Million Stars: Help create ribbon stars in the

colours of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal flags; and

IndigiScapes:

 3 June, 10am to 4pm Indigi Day Out, Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, Runnymede Road, Capalaba. See a welcome to country, taste and buy bush tucker and enjoy the music of headliner and renowned Indigenous artist Troy Brady.

For details on these and other events, visit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events calendar on council’s website at www.redland.qld.gov.au

For more information on National Reconciliation Week and celebrations around the nation, visit www.reconciliation.org.au