Strengthening connections between First Nations people and all Australians is the goal of a varied program of free and low-cost events for National Reconciliation Week (NRW) in the City of Cockburn for 2025.
A guided nature walk on Country, a National Day of Healing (National Sorry Day) weaving workshop, an author talk, documentary screening and the City’s annual free community breakfast and flag-raising ceremony are available to the local community between 16 May and 3 June.
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said the City’s annual NRW activities aimed to bring people together to continue learning along the journey of reconciliation.
“The City welcomes its community each year to commemorate this important occasion. It’s a way for Cockburn residents to join the City in demonstrating our shared ongoing commitment to reconciliation,” Mayor Howlett said.
“The City of Cockburn has a long history of working towards reconciliation with our local Aboriginal community.
“Council adopted the City’s fourth Reconciliation Action Plan in December 2023, 12 years after being the first Perth local government to do so.
“The City has had an active and committed Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG) since 2002.
“We thank local Elders and the ARG for continuing to work with us and our community as we increase knowledge sharing and find ways to ‘close the gap’ in the health and life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other significant gaps that remain a challenge to us all.
“As Reconciliation Australia says, NRW is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and explore how we can contribute to reconciliation in our relationships with the First Nations people of this country.
“We encourage the community to join us at these local activities for a range of rich and unforgettable experiences.”
National Reconciliation Week in Cockburn:
- Friday 16 May, midday-1.30pm at Bibra Lake – Free guided ‘Walk on Country for Reconciliation’ with Nyungar cultural consultant Cyril Yarran
- Friday 23 May, 6-7.30pm, Success Library – Talk by author of Jilya, Nyamal woman Dr Tracy Westerman AM, psychologist, thought leader in Aboriginal mental health, suicide prevention and cultural competency, and 2018 Australian of the Year (WA). $5 per ticket
- Monday 26 May, 11am-1pm, Bibra Lake Community Centre, 132 Parkway Road – Learn the art of weaving at Moorditj-Djaabiny Wirrin (Spirit Becoming Strong) on National Sorry Day with local Aboriginal artists Sharyn Egan and Jenny Knapp who will share stories of the Stolen Generations. Light lunch included.
- Tuesday 27 May, 8.30-11.15am, City Administration, 9 Coleville Crescent, Spearwood – Attend the City’s annual flag-raising ceremony and breakfast for a live broadcast of the Reconciliation WA commemorations. Features Welcome to Country by Rev. Mitchell Garlett and didgeridoo musician Tim Kelly
- Tuesday 3 June, 5.45-8pm, Memorial Hall, Hamilton Hill – Free screening of Genocide in the Wildflower State documentary directed/written and edited by Frank Rijavec. The hour-long documentary exposes racial assimilation policies in 20th century WA, including the forced removal of thousands of Aboriginal children between 1905 and 1970. Featuring survivor stories, expert insights and historical records, the film highlights the lasting impact of these policies and the continued need for truth, justice, and healing. A Q&A with cast members follows the screening.
To register and for more information about these events visit the City’s
website.
Caption: Cyril Yarran leads a guided walk on Country at Manning Park for National Reconciliation Week 2024.