Surf Coast Shire Council has welcomed author and advocate Thomas Mayo to speak from the heart at a special Reconciliation Week event.
Close to 160 people attended the council’s chambers on Monday, May 29, at 6pm to hear Mr Mayo speak about reconciliation during a council-organised presentation.
Mr Mayo is a Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man who is a respected signatory to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
He shared reflections on Reconciliation during his presentation as he outlined the journey of the statement with historical and contemporary perspectives.
Mayor Liz Pattison said she appreciated Mr Mayo’s dedication to sharing the statement and all it represents.
“As we continue our journey in Reconciliation and support National Reconciliation Week, we seek to deepen our understanding of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and what Reconciliation truly means,” she said.
“We thank Thomas for helping us continue that journey.”
Mr Mayo’s presentation followed a Welcome to Country and cultural truth-telling by Wadawurrung Women Corrina Eccles, who received a standing ovation.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation from First Nations people to all Australians to walk together and recognise the Australian identity that has been shaped throughout history.
The statement calls for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament to be enshrined in the Australian Constitution, truth-telling and Makarrata or treaty.
National Reconciliation Week runs from May 27 to June 3, and this year’s theme, Be a Voice for Generations, encourages all Australians to be voices for reconciliation in their everyday lives.
