Nillumbik Reconciliation Group
Vicki WARD (Eltham) (10:07): I want to celebrate the wonderful Nillumbik Reconciliation Group and all of their efforts during National Reconciliation Week. NRG celebrated 25 years of reconciliation in Nillumbik, which I loved attending alongside the federal member for Jagajaga Kate Thwaites, mayor of Nillumbik council Ben Ramcharan, Cr Natalie Duffy, deputy mayor Geoff Paine and Cr Frances Eyre. This was an important celebration of their hard work over the last 25 years as well as a look to the future and the positive ongoing work that NRG and our community can do together. The theme for reconciliation week this year was ‘Be a voice for generations’, and I thank Ian Hunter, Wurundjeri elder, in particular for his welcome to country as well as Aunty Gail, Aunty Julieanne and Charley from the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation for their cultural consultation. I also want to give a shout-out to the Djirri Djirri dancers for their performance, which was wonderful. I also thank the president of the Nillumbik Reconciliation Group Jan Mackenzie, past president Jan Aitken, the committee and all involved in the Nillumbik Reconciliation Group for the organisation of this important event. I also thank the Chocolate Lilies community choir, Scott Darlow and the Eltham High School symphonic band.