Whitehorse City Council has a long-standing commitment to reconciliation and encouraging respectful relationships between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians.

Whitehorse City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. Wurundjeri connection to this land dates back more than 40,000 years, and evidence of this connection still exists today.  

On this page:

• Whitehorse National Sorry Day Flag Raising Ceremony
• Reconciliation Week 
• Reconciliation Advisory Committee

National Sorry Day

In honour of National Sorry Day, Whitehorse City Council hosts an annual Flag Raising Ceremony each year. National Sorry Day is held in May every year to recognise and acknowledge members of the Stolen Generations, as well as the historic apology speech given in 2008 to members of the Stolen Generations. National Sorry Day also marks the start of National Reconciliation Week.

Whitehorse Sorry Day Flag Raising Ceremony  

When: Sunday 26 May 2024  
Time: 10am – 12pm  
Where: Whitehorse City Council  
Nangnak Garden (rear of the Council offices)  
379–399 Whitehorse Road Nunawading  

Join us for this special event to acknowledge the impact of Australian historical policies, practices and attitudes have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.  

Following the ceremony, join us at The Round for a screening of the film 'Earth Wisdom’.  
 
Learn more about the event and register by 22 May.

Whitehorse City Council is finalising our Reconciliation Action Plan. As part of this plan, we are committed to building relationships through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural events. We also commit to increasing the understanding, value, and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge, and rights through cultural learning. Council's National Sorry Day Flag Raising event marks the first of our activities we are hosting throughout Reconciliation Week. 

Reconciliation Week

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, ‘Now More Than Ever’, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will, and must, continue. 

Earth Wisdom screenings

Option 1
When: Sunday 26 May 
Time: 10.30am – 11.15am 
Where: The Round 
379–399 Whitehorse Road Nunawading 

Option 2
When: Tuesday 28 May
Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
Where: The Round
379–399 Whitehorse Road Nunawading

Attend the screening of the cultural film 'Earth Wisdom'. Earth Wisdom is an opportunity to learn from Elders from Wurundjeri, Boonwurrung, Gunai and Urin Nations. At both screenings, the film's producer, Robbie Mac, will be present to discuss the film.  

The screenings are free but registrations are essential. Register now

All Nations Foyer – Whitehorse Artspace

Attend an exhibition of First Nations works from the Whitehorse Art Collection in the All Nations Foyer at Box Hill Town Hall.

For opening hours and venue information, please visit Creative Whitehorse. 

Friendship Bracelets - Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve, Mitcham

Celebrate Reconciliation Week in the bushlands of Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve.

Families are invited to make friendship bracelets using wool or raffia, and learn about traditional plant materials used in string making.

When: Wednesday 29 May 2024  
Time: 1pm – 2pm  
Where: Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve Visitors Centre  
Ashburton Drive, Mitcham 3132

To register for this free event, visit the Eventbrite event page.

Contact

For more information about these events and activities, contact Maureen D’Arcy Community Development Officer – Disability & Reconciliation  
Maureen.D’Arcy@whitehorse.vic.gov.au 

Whitehorse Reconciliation Advisory Committee

The Whitehorse Reconciliation Advisory Committee is a Council committee that oversees the development and implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan. The Whitehorse Reconciliation Advisory Committee consists of Aboriginal people, service providers, community representatives, government departments, and other organisations.

The Whitehorse Reconciliation Advisory Committee provides Council with strategic advice on recognition and reconciliation issues relating to initiatives, services, activities, functions and facilities.

For more information contact the Community Development Officer: Maureen.D'Arcy@whitehorse.vic.gov.au