Western Australians in all points of the State have been challenged by the Premier to take up the 2022 theme of National Reconciliation Week and ‘Be Brave. Make Change’.
With the week still active until Friday (3 June), Premier Mark McGowan said the week celebrates two important dates – the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Mr McGowan (Pictured) said Reconciliation Week was a time for acknowledging our shared histories, cultures, and achievements towards reconciliation in Australia.
“The goal of reconciliation is something we, as a community, can constantly work on through education, listening and understanding,” Mr McGowan said.
“The Aboriginal story is intrinsic to modern Australia, and our shared story moving forward.”
He said this year’s theme calls on Australians to make change, beginning with brave actions in their daily lives – where they live, work, play and socialise and to mark the occasion, local governments and businesses sponsored a record 420 banners to be displayed across the State as part of the National Reconciliation Week Street Banner Project.
He said the project provides the opportunity for organisations to show their commitment to reconciliation by sponsoring a banner to display in a WA city or town of their choice.
Minster for Aboriginal Affairs, Tony Buti said the start of this year’s National Reconciliation Week marked the 55th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the 30th anniversary of the Mabo decision.
“So this year’s theme of ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’ resonates with the achievements of those before us who fought hard for justice, often in the face of fierce resistance,” Dr Buti said.
Mr McGowan said the 2022 Street Banners featured the work of artist Narlene Waddaman, a Nyangumarta woman from Kariyarra country in the Pilbara region whose work is titled “Karlamilyi – My Mother’s Country” and was selected from the 2021 WA Revealed Exhibition.
