CITY OF MANDURAH CELEBRATES RECONCILIATION WEEK

22-05-2008
The City of Mandurah invites people in the community to celebrate Reconciliation Week with a special ‘Danjoo Barniny – Walking Together’ ceremony on Tuesday morning May 27 that also acknowledges the National Day of Healing, previously known as ‘Sorry Day’.

Guest speakers at the ceremony, which will be held in the Tuckey Room at the Civic Centre, will be Mandurah Mayor Paddi Creevey and local Noongar Elder Ivy Bennell.

Following a traditional Welcome to Country performed by Elders Ivy Bennell and Harry Nannup, there will be a flag raising ceremony of both the Australian and Aboriginal flags and the planting of a lilac hibiscus in the native garden outside the Civic Centre building.

Mayor Creevey said the native hibiscus to be planted was the flower that symbolised the Stolen Generations because it was a hardy plant that was also widespread across Australia.

“It also symbolises compassion and spiritual healing and therefore is endorsed by the National Sorry Day Committee and wholeheartedly supported by the Stolen Generations Alliance,” Mayor Creevey said.

“As part of our special ‘Danjoo Barniny – Walking Together’ ceremony on May 27, we will have available commemorative silk native hibiscus flowers for a gold coin donation and will be organising a ‘Moving Forward Together – Hands on Canvas’ artwork for everyone who wants to participate.”

The Reconciliation Week celebration will take place from 9am to noon and refreshments will be provided.  For catering purposes, please advise Jacqui Gollner on 9550 3846 or Lisa Harding or 9550 3850 of attendance.

For further information, email jacqui-g@mandurah.wa.gov.au.

RELEASE ENDS

20 May 2008

Last modified 22-05-2008 08:07 AM