Surf Coast Shire Council has taken another step on its reconciliation journey, adding National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week to its events calendar.
The Council Events Calendar 2022, adopted at the December meeting, recognises campaigns and causes that align with council objectives, leading to the inclusion of National Sorry Day (May 26) and National Reconciliation Week (May 26 to June 3).
“As a council we’ve pledged to walk together and work together with traditional custodians of the land and water while growing our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,” mayor Libby Stapleton said.
“Adding these two events to our annual calendar is going to offer an opportunity for the community to learn and better understand our Traditional Owners. It will also recognise the past hurt, grief and suffering experienced by First Nations people.
“It’s one step we can take on our long journey to reconciliation, both at a local and national level.”
Other events on the calendar are International Women’s Day (March 8), National Volunteer Week (May 16-22) and Barwon Month of Action – Prevention of Violence Against Women (November).
The calendar also includes National Youth Week (April), International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia Day (IDAHOBIT) (May 17), NAIDOC Week (July 3 to 10), Seniors Festival, Children’s Week (October) and International Day of People with Disability (December 3).
“During the development of the Council Plan, we heard what was important to the community,” Cr Stapleton said.
“Each of the events on the 2022 calendar links in with the Council Plan, so we know we’re delivering events that will be meaningful for people of all ages and abilities. Some will be a time to reflect and some will be a time to celebrate. Importantly, they are going to bring people together to make the Surf Coast a better place.”
