Local Youth Commemorate National Reconciliation Week

This week marks National Reconciliation Week and the Whitsunday Regional Council started the week with a morning event on Tuesday 27th May.

National Reconciliation Week in the Whitsundays started with an event at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre which included a Flag Raising Ceremony, a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.

There were also speeches from Student Representatives from St Catherines Catholic College, Proserpine State High School, and Bowen State High School, and a short film feature by Yooribaya Cultural Experiences on the big screen, followed by a morning tea.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins opened National Reconciliation Week and said this years theme called ‘Bridging Now to Next’ calls on all Australians to reflect, learn, and most importantly, to act.

“It invites us to honour the truth of our past, confront the challenges of the present, and walk together toward a shared future built on trust, understanding, and respect.

“Reconciliation is not a single action. It’s not a box we tick once a year. It’s an ongoing journey—one that belongs to every person, every family, every workplace, and every level of government.

“In Our Whitsundays, we’re proud of the steps we’ve taken, but we know there is still a long way to go.”

Mayor Collins also stated that the Whitsunday Regional Council are committed to building a region where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are not just recognised but celebrated.

“This week, and always, we’re focused on listening. On working side by side with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to create the kind of region we can all be proud of,” he added.

“Already this year, we’ve seen renewed momentum—through cultural heritage projects, new partnerships in community engagement, and the continued efforts of local leaders, Elders, and young people who are shaping reconciliation on the ground.”

Robert Congoo from Yooribaya Cultural Experiences performed a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony and concluded the mornings event.

“We stand at an important point in our country, in our nation's journey, a point between where we come from and where we choose to go,” he said.

“It takes non-Indigenous people being brave enough to sit in discomfort and to stay in it until it drives change. It takes walking beside us, not ahead of us, and knowing that reconciliation isn't a favour. It's an obligation.

“Reconciliation isn't a moment or a week it's a lifelong commitment. So today I ask you to think about the next steps, your steps, what will carry across from the bridge, from now to next, because this land will always remember how we choose to walk it. Let this Reconciliation Week be more than a reflection. Let it be a monumental occasion.”

The Whitsunday Regional Council National Reconciliation Week has more events this Saturday.

At the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Saturday 31 May at 4.30pm Yooribaya Cultural Experiences will host interactive kids’ activities and cultural art, with a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, and traditional dance. Learn about the humpback whales’ journey, then enjoy a free outdoor screening of Free Willy at 6:30pm.

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