Published on 18 May 2023
Be a Voice for Generations
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) kicks off on Saturday 27 May and there are a range of events in Onkaparinga for you to get involved.
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The 2023 theme is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’ and it encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives—where we live, work and socialise.
Reconciliation in the South
The City of Onkaparinga’s Reconciliation in the South event will take place in Noarlunga’s Ramsay Place on Wednesday 31 May (10am to 2pm), featuring dance, music, art and craft, cultural activities, guest speakers, First Nations businesses and more.
The event will also include the presentation of the Mayor’s Reconciliation Week Recognition Awards, which recognises individuals, groups and business who have demonstrated outstanding reconciliation in Onkaparinga (nominations close Wednesday 24 May!).
Reconciliation in the South is supported by Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Incorporated and the Southern Elders Group based at Neporendi Aboriginal Community Centre, with support from Joining Hands and Minds members (a network of local agencies that provide First Nations community services and programs).
Arts and culture
There are two free events at the Arts Centre in Port Noarlunga during National Reconciliation Week, allowing you to immerse yourself in First Nations art and culture.
The KAURNA: Still Here exhibition showing in the centre’s Onkaparinga and Red Rover Galleries until Monday 19 June, features the work of First Nations artists, Peter Turner and Clem Newchurch.
Drawing on their ancestors’ practices and informed by George French Angas’ works, this celebration of continuing culture is part of the Guildhouse First Nations Collections Project.
On Saturday 27 May (7–9pm), you can also enjoy a family friendly concert, featuring Glenn Skuthorpe and Band, with Naomi Hicks, Kahl Wallace, and DJ Svvlo to keep the vibe alive. Presented in partnership with Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Inc.
Workshops
There are several workshops being held at Onkaparinga’s libraries and centres during National Reconciliation Week, with spots filling up fast.
Proud Kaurna and Narungga man, Jack Buckskin, is hosting a free Connecting with Language session at Seaford Library on Thursday 1 June (6–7pm, bookings essential). Jack will speak about language, and his dedication to learning and passing on his knowledge and language of the Adelaide Plains to future generations of Kaurna people.
Two other events—an interactive youth clay workshop with Kaurna woman and artist, Susan Roberts, at Aldinga’s Studio 20 Youth Centre; and a basket weaving workshop at Hub Library with Aboriginal artist and weaver, Micky Barlow—are booked out.
Walks and talks
You can learn more about the land and Country with a fascinating guided walk and a talk in May and June.
On Saturday 27 May (10am to 12pm), you can take a 1.5-kilometre guided walk over Lot50-Kanyanyapilla, which is an ecological and cultural regeneration project located on an ancient Kaurna Meyunna cultural site.
You’ll hear from Gavin Malone, Cultural Geographer, and Karl Telfer, Traditional Owner, and learn about the geological, ecological and bi-cultural history of the site and its regeneration, particularly ecological. Tickets are $10.
At Aldinga Library, you can enjoy a free First Nations talk on Caring for Country on Thursday 15 June (6–7pm), where you’ll find out why Country is important to First Nations people and how we can all learn to care and respect the land we live on.
The talk, for ages 18+, is presented by Mark Koolmatrie—an original Tribal man of southern South Australia—from Kool Tours, and tea and coffee are provided.
Southern Deadly Fun Run
For those looking to get active, the free Southern Deadly Fun Run is being held at Rotary Park in Christies Beach on Sunday 28 May.
The 3km or 5km run or walk is for all ages and abilities (also wheelchair and pram friendly), with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people welcome. It’s free to register, with everyone getting a medal, and you’re invited to bring your family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, and dogs on leashes!
Registrations begin at 9:30am, with a Welcome to Country at 10am, followed by a warm-up and the run/walk starting at 10:30am. Community barbecue to follow.