Council raises flag to mark National Reconciliation Week 2025
Published on 21 May 2025
Northern Grampians Shire councillors will raise the Aboriginal flag at ceremonies in Stawell and St Arnaud to mark National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week.
National Sorry Day is on Monday, May 26, which leads into National Reconciliation Week.
The week, from May 27 to June 3, offers an opportunity for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said the event also offered opportunities to explore how all people could contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
“Council is committed to reconciliation and overcoming any division and inequality between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians,” she said.
“This year’s theme is Bridging Now to Next, reflecting the ongoing connection between past, present and future.”
National Reconciliation Week recognises two significant dates in Australia’s history.
On May 27, 1967, Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
On June 3, 1992, the Mabo decision was made in the High Court of Australia, recognising Native Title and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people having rights to the land.
The decision further recognised that, in some cases, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ Native Title had survived British colonisation.
Northern Grampians Shire Council’s reconciliation journey stated with a symbolic decision to return management of Sisters Rocks to Traditional Owners.
In April 2021, the council worked with Barengi Gadjin Land Council and the State Government to transfer ownership of the land to the state, to be managed by the land council on behalf of Traditional Owners.
Cr Hyslop said the council was in the process of drafting a Traditional Owner Acknowledgement Policy and was working with both DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) and Barengi Gadjin Land Council on delivery of the Local Government Engagement Strategy as part of their respective Recognition and Settlement Agreements.
She encouraged people to attend the flag raising ceremonies, at Pleasant Creek Historic Precinct, Stawell, on Monday at 9.15am and Market Square, St Arnaud, on Thursday at 9am.
The ceremonies are designed to be a sign of respect for First Nations people and their culture.
Stawell and St Arnaud library branches will recognise the week with book displays and colouring activities for children. There will also be a display in Shop 108, Main Street, Stawell, throughout National Reconciliation Week.
People can visit www.reconciliation.org.au for more information about the week.