May 26, 2021
South Burnett Regional Council has encouraged South Burnett residents to “take action” this National Reconciliation Week (May 27-June 3).
It suggests residents acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the country, buy goods and services from Indigenous-owned and operated businesses, listen to the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and provide a platform for them to share their voice on the path to reconciliation.
A statement released by Council on Wednesday, “National Sorry Day”, acknowledged traditional owners, the Wakka Wakka people, and the importance of learning about our shared histories, cultures and achievements to pave the way towards achieving reconciliation together in the South Burnett and wider Australia.
National Reconciliation Week 2021 has adopted the theme “More than a word. Reconciliation takes action” to encourage Australians to create more than a conversation; ie. generate meaningful action toward a united future together in reconciliation.
Mayor Brett Otto said Council had an important role in developing a unified region toward reconciliation through respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous residents.
“I am particularly proud to support National Reconciliation Week. I see it as an opportunity to stand proud as Australians in acknowledging how privileged we are to live alongside the oldest surviving civilisation on the planet,” he said.
“National Reconciliation Week has particular significance for our region with a large population of First Nations Peoples across the South Burnett, including our sister community of Cherbourg.
“Reconciliation and recognition of our first Australians is critical to building a unified region, indeed a unified nation.
“I call on all residents across our region to join the Acknowledgement of the Traditional Owners of our Country at 9:00am on Thursday (May 27) and share such on social media to show our commitment to reconciliation through their actions and in conjunction with this year’s theme.
“As Australian communities, we have much to do on the reconciliation journey.
“By each of us playing our part we can build communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their histories, cultures, and futures.”
The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year: May 27 to June 3.
These dates commemorate significant milestones in the reconciliation journey, including the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
