Council flag raising ceremony for National Sorry Day

Published on 24 May 2023

As Reconciliation Week commences, Northern Grampians Shire Council confirms its unassailable commitment to reconciliation, determined to overcome the division and inequality between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.

The Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Strategy 2021-2026 establishes the vision for ‘thriving and vibrant Victorian communities which enshrine the values, knowledge and rights of Aboriginal Victorians’ and Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Cr Kevin Erwin stands firmly behind this.

“Council is committed to taking positive steps toward genuine reconciliation. The process to heal the divide and to acknowledge the past must be taken seriously. As a council, we are wholeheartedly committed to this journey,” explained Cr. Erwin.

Northern Grampians Shire Council’s reconciliation journey stated with the symbolic decision to return management of Sisters Rocks to Traditional Owners. In April 2021, the council worked with Barengi Land Council and the State Government to transfer ownership of the land to the State, to be managed by Barengi Land Council on behalf of Traditional Owners.

Northern Grampians Shire Council recognises the importance of forging authentic working relationships with Traditional Owners and is in the process of preparing a Protocol for Official Acknowledgement of Country and Flying the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag and will introduce Cultural Awareness Training for staff.

The council would like to extend an invitation to join us for a flag raising ceremony on National Sorry Day this Friday, 26 May.

Flag raising ceremonies will be held at 9am at the Pleasant Creek Historical Precinct on the Western Highway in Stawell and at 10am at Market Square in St Arnaud.

The council encourages all community members to participate in Reconciliation Week, with events taking place from 27 May – 3 June 2023. By coming together and embracing our shared history, we can build a stronger, more harmonious future for all.