Each year between May 27 and June 3, National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
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Reconciliation also involves building positive, respectful relationships; enabling all to work together to close the gaps, and to achieve a shared sense of fairness and justice.
The ultimate goal is to build strong and trusting relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians as a foundation for success and to enhance national wellbeing.
Closing the Gap describes the actions that schools, governments, businesses and the community can take to help achieve equality of life expectancy, education and employment for all Australians.
To Celebrate National Reconciliation Week in Parkes, three local volunteer groups -Parkes Reconciliation Group, Parkes Aboriginal Working Party (PACWP) and the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group - have come together to bring youth together through art.
All Aboriginal students are invited to participate in the Aboriginal art work and the mural at Bushman’s Hill on Friday, May 30, as part of the Indigenous Cultural Precinct.
Talented local Aboriginal artists Scott Turnbull, Glen Sloane, Scott (Sauce) Towney and arts coordinator Sean Cassidy will also be involved.
All local schools have received an invitation via a traditional message stick to attend the event.
The message sticks were commonly used by ancestors as one means of communicating over tens of thousands of years.
“We ask that all Aboriginal students invite and bring along a non Aboriginal friend with them to participate as part of celebrating the coming together during Reconciliation Week,” Amanda Corcoran, Parkes Shire Aboriginal Project Officer said.
“Parents are also welcome.
“The aim of this Art Project is to educate and guide our young people and bring them together to talk about reconciliation and to help them understand why reconciliation is important.
“Red Dust Creations will be present throughout the day making a short film/documentary thanks to the Parkes Neighbourhood Centre who wanted to contribute and show their support of Reconciliation Week,” Amanda said.
A Western Road Liners bus will transport children to and from schools to be able to attend.
WHEN: Friday, May 30, 10am to 2pm Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
WHAT TO BRING: An old tee shirt or art smock, water, sunscreen, hats and comfortable footwear
“The Aboriginal Community would like to acknowledge Parkes Shire Councils involvement with the development of this site,” Amanda said.
“They have shown great support and commitment.
“The amphitheatre has almost been completed and Lachlan Land care volunteers have done a fabulous job tidying up the walking tracks, gardens and undercover area.”
LATE YESTERDAY, more than 200 kids had agreed to take part in the art day on the 30th.
From May 25 to May 31, communities all across Australia will be turning red to help raise awareness of the impact of kidney disease.
Why don’t you wear something red and come and meet with local Health Workers from the Parkes, Forbes Community Health Centre.
They will be present at Bushman’s Hill on Friday, May 30, between 10.30am and 1.30pm in support of the National Reconciliation Week 2014 “Youth Coming Together Through Art” celebrations.
Health Workers will be offering free kidney checks and information to the community.
