An Aboriginal Reconciliation Festival held recently by Shoalhaven City Council proved a great success.
Over 500 people attended the Festival which was held in Nowra following a successful event in Ulladulla last year. People were able to wander through stalls, enjoy food, music, stories, dancing and arts and crafts. These activities helped to give the broader community an insight into Aboriginal culture and history in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
Council’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer, Ruth Dane, said the Festival was very successful with everyone having great fun. “It was a very happy and enjoyable occasion,” she said. “Many good things came out of it, including a better understanding of the issues of reconciliation.
“The community in general is moving positively on this issue. We all have to live together and its time to move on and get on with it.” The organising committee extended invitations to the community, church and Aboriginal organisations to attend a Prayer Night ‘Journey of Healing’ held two weeks prior to the Festival.
There, many people from different religious backgrounds united for reconciliation helping to set the tone for the Reconciliation Festival.
Complementing the festivities was an art competition where local primary school students were invited to submit work based on the reconciliation theme. Council highlighted the work with displays in the Council offices and the winning entries will be displayed permanently in the Council’s auditorium.
Students from both primary and secondary schools were also invited to participate in a contemporary dance workshop run by two dance members from the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA). This was supported by Council and held at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre Students from all racial backgrounds had the chance to perform their work at the Festival.
“Feedback from the Festival was great with many people complimenting Council on making a great day,” Ruth Dane said.
For further information contact Ruth Dane, telephone (02) 4429 3004
