In remembrance of the Stolen Generation

Published on 10 March 2017

IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE STOLEN GENERATION
Media Release

Gannawarra Shire Council welcomes the community to come together and demonstrate their support for the Stolen Generation at a ceremony this week.

Director Mandy Hutchinson said Council is pleased to be unveiling a plaque that has been specifically designed to recognise the stolen generation.

“This ceremony has been a long-term event that began planning when Aunty Shirley McGee approached former Mayor, Cr Lorraine Learmonth to request that acknowledgment of the Stolen Generation be made,” Ms Hutchinson explained.  

Following this conversation Council continued discussions with the Elders group and devised an approach that included a plaque being developed which would be erected on a permanent display at the Gannawarra Children’s Centre in Kerang.

Ms. Hutchinson said a wonderful partnership between the Elders Group and the Gannawarra Children’s Centre Parents and Friends committee has formed to see this request come to fruition.

“Between the fantastic support from the Gannawarra Children’s Centre Parents and Friends committee, who planted the garden, and also from local company Mawsons who donated the rock  upon which the plaque will be placed, Council is thrilled to see this gesture supported locally,” Ms Hutchinson said.

Council has partnered with Mallee District Aboriginal Services, Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnerships, Northern District Community Health, Cohuna District Health, Kerang District Health and Victoria Police to facilitate this ceremony.

The ceremony will consist of a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, followed by a presentation by our Elders, the plaque unveiling and ‘The Creation Dance’ by Tyipen Kwe.

“Council is proud to support the Stolen Generation and hold this ceremony in remembrance,” Ms Hutchinson said.

The event will be held at the Gannawarra Children’s Centre, Murray Street Kerang at 4.00pm Wednesday 22 March. Attendees please note the presentation will proceed regardless of weather. Please be mindful that the ceremony will involve smoke.

For more information, please contact Council on 5450 9333.