01 Jun 2017
National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
This week is bookended by two significant milestones in history – the 1967 referendum and the 1992 Mabo decision. This year, these dates have increased significance, as it is the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the 25th anniversary of the Mabo decision.
May 27, 1967 Referendum
This has been regarded as Australia's most successful referendum and a defining event in our nation's history. The 1967 referendum saw over 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise them in the national census.
June 3, 1992 The Mabo Decision
Commemorates the High Court of Australia's landmark Mabo decision in 1992, which legally recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special relationship to the land—a relationship that existed prior to colonalisation and still exists today. This recognition paved the way for land rights or Native Title.
As part of the celebrations within this week, Shellharbour City Council hosts the Reconciliation Walk in Shellharbour Village. This involves the coming together of representatives from local schools, local Aboriginal Elders, council representatives and community members.
Flinders Public School was represented this year by Cohen C, Molly W, Brodie B, and Josh H. Miss Weir and Mr Hall accompanied our students. Cohen was nominated to be our school's flag bearer, and in the spirit of reconciliation, exchanged this with a certificate from a community representative in the formal ceremony whilst Miss Weir was presented with a table centrepiece for the school.
The students participated in four workshops including the 1967 Referendum, the Mabo decision, a language workshop and an artwork depicting a sea of hands.
Thank you to Miss Weir, Mr Hall and our representatives for the respect that they demonstrated throughout the day.
Mrs Nicole Perry
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee Coordinator