We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live, work and learn, the Bunurong.
We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
The Bass Coast Reconciliation Network organises reconciliation events across the Bass Coast Shire and Nature Parks is proud to be one of the four leading organisations, who make up the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network (BCRN), along with Bass Coast Shire Council, Bass Coast Health, My Community Libraries, and Westernport Water. Working together with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Traditional Owner organisations, local members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community, and the Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group.
Tunnerminnerwait Maulboyheenner Commemoration
20 January
On Saturday 20 January, over 100 people joined together to be part of a significant moment in our shared history through truth-telling. The event serves as a commemoration of the lives of Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner, two Tasmanian Aboriginal men who were tragically hanged in Melbourne in 1842.
A Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony was provided by Mark Brown from the Bunurong Land Council, followed by special guest speakers, Robert Ogden, Bunurong-Pakana Elder and Krishna Methven of the Pairrebeenne-Trawlwoolway clan of north-eastern Tasmania (Lutrawita).
NATIONAL SORRY DAY
Sunday 26 May
On Sunday 26 May, nearly 100 people attended the National Sorry Day Community Gathering at the Nobbies Centre, united in support of healing for all Stolen Generations Survivors.
The event saw the participation of Stolen Generations Survivors, their families, descendants, and allies. The gathering began with an emotional healing smoking ceremony overlooking the rugged coastline of Millowl, creating a space for reflection and connection. Following the ceremony, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community leaders shared deeply moving stories about the lasting impact of the forced removal of children on their families and communities. The truth telling by Patrice Mahoney OAM and Bunurong Traditional Owner, Robert Odgen, was a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging past wrongs and working towards a future where healing and reconciliation are prioritised.
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK
27 May to 3 June
National Reconciliation Week – NOW MORE THAN EVER
Bass Coast Reconciliation Network partners hosted a diverse variety of activities for National Reconciliation Week this year, including book reviews, film screenings, Sea of Hands craft, and community gathering at Kugerungmome (Powlett River). The week is all about coming together in support of reconciliation action in Australia and the program of events provided plenty of opportunity for the local community to do just that.
NAIDOC Week
7-14 July
The theme this year is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’ and the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network is once again supporting the annual NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition which runs from Tuesday 2 July to Sunday 11 August at Artspace Wonthaggi. The exhibition opening is on Sunday 7 July from 1-3pm with a Welcome to Country, Smoking ceremony and an opportunity to meet the artists.
The virtual exhibition goes live on Sunday 7 July and artworks can be purchased onsite or online.
