A number of Councils hosted special events on
13 February to coincide with the Federal Government’s acknowledgement of Australia’s history and the delivery of an apology for past government policies.
Shoalhaven City Council on the south coast of New South Wales marked the apology to the Stolen Generations with a telecast of the event, as a symbol of moving forward in unity with all people in Shoalhaven City.
“The apology from Prime Minster Kevin Rudd is truly a big step towards reconciling our past differences and government policies,” Shoalhaven City Mayor, Councillor Greg Watson, said. “It shows that as a nation we have come one step closer towards healing and achieving reconciliation between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians.”
After the viewing, Council hosted a flag raising event, followed by a morning tea.
Central Victoria’s City of Greater Bendigo, in partnership with members of the Indigenous community and other organisations, also hosted a community event. Council invited residents to watch the national apology via a live TV broadcast in the town hall. After the broadcast, a morning tea was held, with pledge books available for signing.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor, Councillor David Jones, said Council was keen to mark this important historical event.
“Over the last few years the City of Greater Bendigo has worked closely with the local Indigenous community and we wanted everyone to come together to celebrate this historic occasion,” Mayor Jones said.
