Tuesday, 7 June 2022

Ministers statements: National Reconciliation Week

Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Suburban Development, Minister for Veterans) (11:53): I was pleased to attend two National Reconciliation Week events in my capacity as the Minister for Suburban Development and Minister for Veterans.

I was joined by Will Fowles MP at the launch of an event for reconciliation week hosted by the Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place and the Maroondah council. This event was to officially launch the Dancing with Creation series of Indigenous artwork, including a mural, a footpath and planter boxes which have been planted as part of the Ringwood East laneway park upgrade. The stunning Indigenous mural was created by artists Simone Thomson, Robert Young and Chris Hume and features Bunjil’s wings protecting a dancer, a scar tree and the earth below. Maroondah council has delivered this project in partnership with the Andrews Labor government through the Neighbourhood Activity Centre Renewal Fund to transform this community place, and I really want to thank the Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place along with of course the Maroondah council for welcoming us to such an important and fantastic event.

Last Tuesday I felt very privileged to attend the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service at the shrine. I was joined by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Gabrielle Williams, and of course member of this chamber Sheena Watt at the service. They hold it annually in reconciliation week. The service honours and remembers the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who have served in every conflict and every peacekeeping mission involving Australia for more than a century. Their contribution and sacrifice were for many years not adequately commemorated. I want to congratulate all the members of the Aboriginal remembrance committee for such a moving service and for the great work they do, and I encourage everyone next year that can to go along to this service. I think it is a very important thing that we support this event.