Bridging Now to Next during National Reconciliation Week 2025

Published on 12 May 2025

The Gannawarra community will come together later this month to mark National Reconciliation Week.

Gannawarra Shire Council, in partnership with Mallee District Aboriginal Services, Northern District Community Health and the Kerang Elders and Emerging Leader Group, have worked together to organise a morning of activities occurring on Wednesday, 28 May, highlighted by the annual Reconciliation Walk through the streets of Kerang and an event at the Kerang Memorial Hall.

“Kerang is renowned for its National Reconciliation Week celebrations, which for many years has enabled residents to learn more about First Nations histories and cultures, and to build relationships and respect as we continue our journey towards reconciliation,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“This year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week, which runs from 27 May to 3 June, is Bridging Now to Next, which calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward towards reconciliation as past lessons guide us.”

Festivities will begin with a flag raising ceremony outside the Kerang Council Building in Victoria Street at 9.30am, before local leaders and residents walk to the Kerang Memorial Hall via Wellington, Fitzroy, Scoresby and Nolan streets.

Events occurring at the Kerang Memorial Hall will begin at 10am with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country, storytelling by Aunty Lil Murray and the Tyipen Kwe children, cultural sharing and music from Yorta Yorta musician, Madi Colville-Walker.

A free morning tea will follow proceedings, with those attending also able to view various pieces of art created by local indigenous children and youth groups, Kethawil Pembenguuk and Tyipen Kwe.

The Gannawarra’s Reconciliation Week celebrations are supported by Council, Kerang Elders and Leaders Group, Northern District Community Health, Mallee District Aboriginal Service, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, and Victoria Police.

Kerang’s Reconciliation Week celebrations are funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) as part of the Gannawarra Community Flood Recovery Program.

“Council and our partners acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land within the Gannawarra Shire, the Barapa Barapa, Wamba Wamba, and Yorta Yorta peoples, and invite the wider community to join us in walking and celebrating First Nations history and culture together as part of this year’s Reconciliation Week celebrations,” Mr Rollinson said.

ABOVE: National Reconciliation Week celebrations will be held in Kerang later this month, highlighted by the traditional walk through the town's central business district.