Knox City Council unveiled a new yarning circle during their National Sorry Day ceremonies on Thursday 26 May.
The event started with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Colin Hunter, followed by a fire lighting and smoking ceremony by Yorta Yorta Bunerong man Chris Hume.
Knox Mayor Susan Laukens said recognising Sorry Day is a step towards healing.
“As the Mayor of Knox City Council, I am sorry. As the local government, we are sorry,” she said.
“On Sorry Day we apologise for the past, and we reaffirm our commitment to healing, acknowledgment and respect of First Nations people.”
There are an estimated 1500 Aboriginal and First Nations people living in Knox.
Mayor Laukens said Council understand that hard work is needed to heal the community, and they are committed to supporting reconciliation in practical and symbolic ways.
“Last year, in collaboration with our local Aboriginal community, we agreed to five key areas of focus: health and wellbeing, recognition and respect, employment and economic development, civic participation, and cultural heritage,” she said.
“The yarning circle at our Civic Centre is one idea that came out of those discussions. It will be a place of truth-telling and healing conversations.”
First People’s Assembly of Victoria member and Commissioner of the Victorian Environmental Water Holder Reuben Berg, a Gunditjmara man, was a guest speaker at the event.
Larrakia artist from the Top end Ash Dargan performed on the Didgeridoo followed by a Dungala Dance performance.
The event finished with a leaf and branch ceremony and flag raising.
Sorry Day has been held as an annual event in Australia on 26 May since 1998 to mark the start of Reconciliation Week.
