A vibrant community event to celebrate National Reconciliation Week 2025 will be held at Queenscliff next week.
Reconciliation Queenscliffe will stage Voices for Reconciliation at Wirrng Wirrng (Queenscliffe Hub) on Friday May 30 to bring together voices and a shared commitment to reconciliation.
The pop-up performance of Goanna’s iconic anthem ‘Solid Rock’ will be led by Queenscliff local Rose Bygrave, original member of Goanna and long-time advocate for reconciliation.
Local music groups Shedding the Blues, New Swell Choir, Tides of Welcome, Sea of Ukes, and Feel Good…Sing! will also be part of the event, showcasing the power of collective voice.
Joining singers on the night will be acclaimed musicians Dave Steel, Wayne Jury, and Ngarrindjeri and Gunditjmara man Mick Ryan on yidaki.
“Over forty years ago my friend and Goanna band mate Shane Howard wrote a song about the dispossession of Aboriginal people,” Rose said.
“Since then it has become one of the great unifiers for black and white Australia. Here in our little borough, where I’m proud to say, our community is full of socially aware, kind and respectful people, we have an opportunity to come together to sing that song and ‘Solid Rock’ the air with good will. There are over 500 singing groups around Australia who are singing that song as
well – let’s make ours the most powerful.”
Children at the borough’s three primary schools have also been learning the song for Reconciliation Week, and are encouraged to attend Voices for Reconciliation with their families and friends.
“Reconciliation is a key part of learning for kids across Australia,” Point Lonsdale Primary School principal Fay Agterhuis said.
“Progressing reconciliation creates safe places for young people and doing that through song and shared experiences is a wonderful education opportunity.”
Everyone is welcome to join the singalong, a part of the larger Voices for Reconciliation project taking place this year during National Reconciliation Week 2025. No experience is required, and the event is accessible.
