National Reconciliation Week was celebrated with an event on campus on Tuesday 31 May. The theme this year is Be Brave, Make Change.

The week was a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The activities on Tuesday brought together people from all areas of the Macquarie and local communities, including some of our youngest members from the on campus childcare centres.

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in events on campus and joined with members of the Macquarie and wider community to acknowledge Reconciliation Week. Thank you to all involved with making this event possible as well.

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Uncle Chris Tobin during the welcome and smoking ceremony with observers who attended the event watching.

Stalls from supporters of Walanga Muru around the Lakeside Lawn. Stalls included community representatives from Bungee Bidgel, Women of Colour, Ryde City Council, Sydney North Health Network, Ryde Women’s Group, Renee’s Weaving, Relationships Australia, Wuyagiba Study Hub and well as various groups from across Macquarie University.

Truth Telling Panel based on the theme Be Brave, Make Change. Thank you to panellists Teisha Afu Hakaumotu-Saunders, Dr Joe Perry, Maria Comino, Ally Carter along with moderator Natasha Balsdon.

Alison Salt (Cultural Wellbeing and Engagement Officer, Walanga Muru), Natasha Balsdon (President Indigenous Students Association) and Sophie Curtis (Campus Life) cutting the Reconciliation cake.

Dr Leanne Holt, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy) addressing the audience.

Ngali Shaw telling the story of the yidaki (didjeridoo) for the gathered crowd.

Kiris An Taran Torres Strait Islander Dance Group.

Reconciliation Event Mural painting. The mural was co-designed by students and staff from the School of Education along with members of the Walanga Muru community. The large circle in the centre represents the lake and community at Macquarie University and the wiggly lines coming in from all sides represent the story lines of our First Nation People, telling stories about this place of learning. The outside area of the mural contains hands created by preschool children from Mia Mia, Gumnut and Banksia early learning centres.  

Aunty Sue Pinkham (Wuyagiba Study Hub), Alison Salt (Walanga Muru) and Sean Willenberg from Ryde City Council.