Gippsland › Latest news › East Gippsland Local News
East Gippsland Council celebrates elders' strength, culture and leadership at Reconciliation Week gathering in Eastwood
East Gippsland Shire Council honoured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders with a heartfelt celebration of culture, leadership, reflection, and connection during National Reconciliation Week at Club Eastwood.
On May 29, 2025, East Gippsland Shire Council hosted a special celebration at Club Eastwood to honour the strength, wisdom, and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders from across the region.
On May 29, East Gippsland Council honoured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders with a welcome to country, smoking ceremony, reflection, and remembrance of their enduring strength
Elders remembered together
Around 60 Elders joined Mayor Cr John White, Cr Arthur Allen, Cr Tom Crook, Cr Joanne Eastman, Cr Bernie Farquhar, chief executive officer Fiona Weigall, and several staff for a morning of reflection, connection, and cultural celebration.
The event began with a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Gunaikurnai man Harley Finn, followed by a minute's silence to honour the memory of Elders who have passed and to acknowledge their lasting contributions to culture, community, and intergenerational strength.
The silence also served as a reminder of National Sorry Day, observed earlier in the week on Monday May 26, a time to reflect on the injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to recognise the strength and resilience of the Stolen Generations.
Respecting shared history
CEO Fiona Weigall said, "As we mark National Reconciliation Week and reflect on the theme 'Bridging Now to Next', we reaffirm our commitment to truth-telling, cultural understanding, and respectful partnerships. Our vision is one of mutual respect and harmony, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, values, and contributions are genuinely appreciated by all."
This commitment is evident in council initiatives including cultural awareness training for all staff, public art collaborations, and the development of a second Reconciliation Action Plan, a framework that outlines practical steps towards achieving a vision for reconciliation. This plan is guided by the pillars of Respect, Relationships, Opportunities, and Governance. Council is working alongside Aboriginal community members to develop this plan to deliver outcomes that are meaningful and lasting.
Celebrating shared stories
A highlight of the event was the involvement of students from Girls at the Centre - a partnership between Bairnsdale Secondary College and The Smith Family, which is a program that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in Years 7-12 to achieve their social, emotional, cultural, and academic aspirations. The girls supported the event through facilitating craft activities alongside Elders and gifted hand-painted pots to Elders, showcasing their creativity and connection to culture.
Guests shared a meal, enjoyed live music by Uncle Tom and Lyndsey Hammond, and connected through conversation and storytelling. Council extends heartfelt thanks to the Elders for their enduring strength, stories, and deep connection to the country.
Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
All-abilities pontoon underway at Blue Rock Lake to boost safe, inclusive boating and fishing access
Melina Bath says regional Victoria missed out while Glasgow benefits, with Victorians paying for Labor's failure
Venus Bay SLSC gets gold and bronze for the Open Female category at Victorian IRB National Championships
Darren Chester says Ministers have 'blood on their hands' for ignoring repeated crash warnings on Princes Highway
Darren Chester showed support for 'Everything Disability and Ageing Expo' held at Club Eastwood on 18 July 2025
Darren Chester visits George Grey Centre as they celebrate 60 years of empowering people with disabilities
East Gippsland Council to cease insurance for Crown assets, saving $57K and support to committees will continue
Lakes Entrance intersection upgrade stalled as questions mount over delays, costs and government silence
Martin Cameron along with the Nationals vow to fight Labor bill allowing forced access to private farmland for transmission projects
