Published on 24 May 2024
Now More Than Ever
National Reconciliation Week is happening from 27 May to 3 June and you’re invited to the City of Onkaparinga’s annual Reconciliation in the South event.
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.
Taking place on Tuesday 28 May, Onkaparinga’s event begins at 10am with Nunga Screen – a free annual touring event across regional SA that celebrates First Nations culture, stories and language through film.
Nunga Screen will be held at the Hopgood Theatre and feature a premiere short documentary from an emerging First Nations filmmaker commissioned by Country Arts SA. Bookings are essential.
Following Nunga Screen at 11am, the council’s free community event - with the support of Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Inc., Joining Hands and Minds Network members, and the Southern Elders Group, and community - will take place opposite the Hopgood Theatre in Ramsay Place, where you can enjoy music and dance, art and craft, guest speakers, cultural activities, First Nations businesses and more.
The winners of the Mayor’s Reconciliation Week Recognition Awards – celebrating the outstanding work from Onkaparinga organisations and businesses in the area of Reconciliation – will also be announced.
Later in the day at 1:30pm, Noarlunga Library is hosting a free screening of an award-winning documentary about Bruce Pascoe’s book, Dark Emu, which challenged Australia to rethink its history and ignited a debate that continues to rage. Suitable for adults. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Running time 82 minutes.
Then, on Thursday 30 May, you can experience a free Yarnin Circle and Smoking Ceremony at Aldinga Library with Naomi Hicks and Maureen Humes from A Spirit in Unity. For adults, booking essential.
For those looking for further immersive experiences beyond the official National Reconciliation Week dates, Onkaparinga’s libraries are hosting several additional events later in June.
You can enjoy a free Ochre Paint for Kids session at Willunga Library on Wednesday 12 June, (suitable for ages 5+, bookings essential); Growing Native Food session at Woodcroft Library on Friday 14 June (suitable for adults, bookings essential); and a Caring for Country talk at Hub Library on Sunday 30 June (suitable for adults, tea and coffee provided).
The 2024 National Reconciliation Week theme is Now More Than Ever, which is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people will – and must – continue.