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Reconciliation Week in Echuca

seth@bower-bird.com.au (Seth Khouri) — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:39:26 GMT

Campaspe Celebrates National Reconciliation Week

Campaspe Shire Council is proud to celebrate National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025, with the theme “Bringing Now to Next.” This year’s theme reflects the ongoing connection between past, present, and future, urging all Australians to step forward together in the reconciliation journey.

Reconciliation Week occurs annually from 27 May – 3 June and aims to foster dialogue, strengthen bonds and encourages the wider community to embrace the rich cultural heritage of First Nations peoples while working towards a shared future.

The Community is once again invited to join the community Reconciliation Week Walk on 27 May, starting with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country at Alton Reserve, followed by a walk along Hare Street to Aquatic Reserve.

Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell emphasised the importance of this year’s theme and encourages the wider community to join the Reconciliation Week Walk.

“This year National Reconciliation Week is particularly significant for Council as we embark on our first Reconciliation Action Plan. "We are deeply committed to advancing reconciliation within our community. By embarking on our Reconciliation Action Plan, we aim to foster stronger relationships, respect, and understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

“I look forward to seeing as many people as possible walking with us in the spirit of reconciliation and allyship,” Cr Mackrell said.

Event Details

Time: 10 – 11.30am
Date: Tuesday, 27 May 2025
Location: Starting at Alton Reserve, walking along Hare Street, past Campaspe Library into Aquatic Reserve.

Road closures and traffic management will be in place during the walk.

Acceptance Tree Sculpture Unveiled

stephanie@stephaniehowden.com.au (howden stephanie) — Wed, 07 May 2025 00:51:50 GMT

Campaspe Shire Council Media Release

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation and Campaspe Shire Council are delighted to launch the Acceptance Tree sculpture, a powerful mixed-media installation by local Yorta Yorta artist Stuart Hearn on display at Echuca Library.

The Acceptance Tree sculpture, crafted from red gum burl, eucalyptus didgeridoo, concrete, acrylic paints and emu feathers, is a deeply symbolic piece reflecting the themes of connection, healing, and community care.

The sculpture features a central column honouring Uncle Tom Powell’s Red Dust Healing program, made from the artist’s own didgeridoo, an instrument with its own journey and story. Additionally, a spiral of reaching hands, cast from those who care for and support the community, represents acceptance, unity, and shared humanity. A symbolic headdress speaks to the power of thought, creation, and the ongoing cycle of the Dreaming.

During the launch event on 7 May attendees had the opportunity to view a moving videography series that accompanies the sculpture, in which local Elders shared their personal reflections on acceptance, what it means to them, and how it continues to shape and strengthen the community.

Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell expressed his admiration for the project. "The Acceptance Tree sculpture is a powerful message about the strength and resilience of our First Nations community,” he said. “It beautifully captures the essence of acceptance and unity, and the accompanying video vignettes provide a profound insight into the personal experiences of local Elders.”

The project aims to promote inclusiveness and reconciliation by interviewing Elders and Community members about their feelings of acceptance and what it means to them in the context of their indigenous community and the wider community.

“Everybody has a desire to be wanted and needed, and to me, is the essence of acceptance,” artist Stuart Hearn said. The vignettes will be displayed alongside the Acceptance Tree sculpture, offering insights into the experiences of feeling accepted through the telling of stories. The sculpture and accompanying storyboard and vignettes will be moved from location to location around Campaspe Shire to spread its message to a broader audience.

“This project provides a unique opportunity for reflection, connection, and walking together in a spirit of respect and shared understanding," Cr Mackrell said.

Koori Court: Step forward for Community justice

stephanie@stephaniehowden.com.au (howden stephanie) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:56:03 GMT

Echuca-Moama’s First Nations Community is celebrating the long-awaited opening of the region’s first Koori Court.

Koori Courts have been in operation around Victoria for many years, and the local Community worked hard over two decades to have the initiative brought to our region.

Among those striving to have the court established has been Local Justice Worker Colin Atkinson. The proud Wollithiga man works for the Njernda Aboriginal Corporation and partnered with Court Services Victoria and the Koori Court to deliver the new service.

“The Koori Court will be a huge benefit to the Indigenous Community to help them through their justice matters and to move on to improving their lives,” Mr Atkinson said.

An official opening ceremony was held recently, with Mr Atkinson leading a smoking ceremony. His grandfather, Professor Uncle Henry Atkinson, a Wollithiga Elder from Echuca, conducted a Welcome to Country.

The Koori Court has been developed to reflect cultural issues and operate in a more informal way. Participants sit around a table – called the bar table – with the magistrate, Elders and respected persons, a Koori court officer, the prosecutor, community correction officers, lawyers and family.

Koori owned and controlled agencies may also be in attendance to contribute to the conversation and offer support. Everyone is encouraged to take part in a sentencing conversation by having a yarn and avoiding the

use of legal jargon.

Aboriginal Elders or respected persons may give cultural advice to help the magistrate make a judgment that is culturally appropriate and helps reduce the likelihood of reoffending.