There was a quiet sense of meaning in the air at Emerald’s Worrell Reserve on Tuesday, 27 May, as families, students and community leaders gathered on Kulin Nation Country in Emerald to mark Reconciliation Week, despite the cold, rainy weather.
The event hosted by Cardinia Shire Council brought brought people of all ages together to reflect on Australia’s past, honour First Nations culture, and look towards a shared future.
The event included a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, followed by a performance by the Djirri Djirri Dancers that had even the youngest in the crowd mesmerised.
Four-year-old Harley Joy, from Where We Grow Early Learning in Gembrook, lit up when asked what she liked most.
“The clapping ones,” she said with a big smile, referring to the dancing. “And I made a necklace with beads.”
Her friends were just as enthusiastic. Archer said he loved the stories and the dancing, while Samarah proudly shared that her favourite part was “drawing and painting on the back of the bark.”
These little voices spoke volumes, about joy, learning, and about the power of being part of something meaningful from an early age.
For Cardinia Shire Mayor, Cr Jack Kowarzik, seeing children so involved is what gives him hope.
“When I was at school, we learned a little about Indigenous culture, but nothing like what’s happening now,” he said.
“Coming to events like this and seeing kinders and primary schools involved, it’s honestly the most eye-opening and encouraging part of Reconciliation Week for me. These children will be our future leaders. The education they’re getting now is setting the foundation for a better, more united Australia.”
Mayor Kowarzik reflected on the role of storytelling, especially during Reconciliation Week, as a way of learning about culture and values, particularly the importance of family and caring for Country.
“It’s something I’ve really taken to heart. That connection to land, to country, it’s so special. I wish every Australian felt that more deeply,” Cr Kowarzik said.
That sense of responsibility and truth-telling is something schools are embracing, too.
Emerald Primary School’s mental health and wellbeing leader, Bianca Appleby, who’s also the school’s Koorie Education Leader said embedding First Nations perspectives is a year-round commitment.
“Reconciliation Week is a time we highlight it more, but we work hard to include Indigenous perspectives in our teaching all year,” Ms Appleby said.
“We talk honestly about history, not just about white settlement, but also about the invasion, the Stolen Generations, and the real impact on families. These kids deserve to know the truth.”
Emerald Primary School students had been learning about Sorry Day in the lead-up to the event, and school captain Mia Dangerfield, in Year 6, spoke with quiet confidence about what it all means to her.
“For me, Reconciliation Week is about coming together, honouring the people of this country, and connecting with culture,” she said.
“It’s good to learn different languages, hear different stories and branch out to different communities. That’s how we grow.”
Ms Appleby said she believes the children of today will lead the change.
“This generation knows better, so they’ll do better,” she said.
“They’ll grow up not pretending the past didn’t happen. They’ll celebrate First Nations culture with respect, not ignorance.”
As the rain continued to fall, families and members of the Cardinia Shire community gathered, joined by representatives from Yarra Ranges Council, sharing afternoon tea, admiring children’s painted bark and handmade jewellery, and taking a quiet moment to reflect on the past while celebrating the rich diversity of the Australia we share today.
