Nillumbik Reconciliation Group

Join the 'People's Movement' towards a Reconciled Community

Nillumbik Reconciliation Group meets on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 pm.

Eltham Living & Learning Centre
Main Rd Eltham

For further information concerning N.R.G. contact

Mick Woiwod 9712 0563
Llewellyn Pritchard 9431 1884
Rochelle Beckett 9439 0357

Or write to:

Nillumbik Reconciliation Group
PO Box 238, Eltham 3095

The Nillumbik Reconciliation Group grew out of a 1997 decision by the Shire of Nillumbik to appoint an Advisory Committee to arrange an appropriate ceremony and venue with relevant Wurundjeri elders for the Shire to make a formal acknowledgment, apology and commitment on behalf of its citizens to the region's traditional owners.

The ceremony decided upon was in the form of a traditional Gayip. It took place on Saturday 9 May in 1998 on the banks of Diamond Creek in Wingrove Park before a large gathering of Nillumbik residents. Central to the day's celebrations was the handing across to a Wurundjeri elder by the Shire of the documentation containing the apology, acknowledgment and commitment

To build on the goodwill and understanding engendered at the Gayip.

To assist in the implementation of the 'Recommendations' signed for in the 9 May 1998 documentation.

To further progress the eight key issues espoused by the Council for National Reconciliation.

• Formal acknowledgment of the traditional owners of the soil at council meetings and at Shire sponsored events.
• Flying of the Aboriginal and/or Reconciliation Flag on appropriate occasions.
• Implementation of a program of Indigenous traineeships.
• Provision of suitable Indigenous exhibition space.
• Placement of memorial plaques in public places.
• Identification and preservation of significant Indigenous sites.
• Appropriate use of traditional names for reserves and new roads.
• Commission of a Wurundjeri history project.
• Provision of a regional Indigenous Resource Kit for school and community use.
• Promotion of suitable culture events to further develop understanding.
• Design of a community art project promoting Indigenous culture.
• Annual review of the 'Recommendations' proposed at the 1998 Gayip.

"The dawn of the 21st Century presents the Australian people with an exciting opportunity to reshape that relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians"
Reconciliation Chair - Evelyn Scott

"It's important not to lose sight of the fact that reconciliation is basically a grassroots process. It's about people living and working together and solving problems in local communities."
Past Reconciliation Chair - Patrick Dodson

"My heart leads me but it doesn't rule my head. Words are words until they are put into action."
Wurundjeri Elder - Joy Murphy

"Reconciliation is important for the self respect and self-esteem of all Australian."
Former Prime-Minister - Malcolm, Fraser

"We will not achieve true reconciliation unless and until we address and resolve the key issues, at least to the extent that it can be seen that we are making real progress towards a position where the future prospects of an aboriginal child are comparable with those of a non-aboriginal child."
Governor General - Sir William Deane

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