National Reconciliation Week 2026 celebrated in the Gannawarra

Published on 27 May 2026

The Gannawarra’s annual National Reconciliation Week celebrations continue to grow in popularity, with a record crowd gathering earlier today for festivities held throughout Kerang.

Close to 400 people joined in events held outside the Kerang Council Building and The Glasshouse, made possible by Gannawarra Shire Council in partnership with the Kerang Elders and Leaders Group, Mallee District Aboriginal Services, and Northern District Community Health.

“Kerang is renowned for its National Reconciliation Week celebrations, with another record crowd taking the opportunity to learn more about First Nations histories and cultures, and to build relationships and respect as we continue our shared 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 All In, which is a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.

“This message was evident as part of our celebrations, which attracted school children from across Gannawarra, including Kerang and Cohuna, as well as Aboriginal Elders and other community leaders.”

 

ABOVE: Mayor Garner Smith and Uncle Ray Davis raised the Australian and Aboriginal flags outside the Kerang Council Building (left) before leading the National Reconciliation Walk through Kerang's central business district.

Festivities began outside the Kerang Council Building with Mayor Garner Smith joining Uncle Ray Davis in raising the Aboriginal and Australian flags, before community leaders joined Elders and residents in walking to The Glasshouse.

Celebrations at The Glasshouse included a Smoking Ceremony and Barapa Barapa Welcome to Country lead by Hack Webster and local children, storytelling, cultural sharing activities, the announcement of winners from the National Reconciliation Week poster colouring competition and a morning tea.

“The celebrations at The Glasshouse catered for all ages, and it was pleasing to see so many schools in attendance,” Mr Rollinson said.

ABOVE: Paul Fernee (Gannawarra Shire Council Director Community Wellbeing) (left), Kellie Byron-Gray (Kerang District Health Chief Executive Officer), Penny Wilkinson (Northern District Community Health Chief Executive Officer), Mayor Garner Smith, Toni Webster (Mallee District Aboriginal Services Kerang Site Manager), Uncle Ray Davis, Cr Charlie Gillingham, Cr Pat Quinn and Cr Ross Stanton with National Reconciliation Week Walk participants outside Mallee District Aboriginal Services' Kerang site.

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

“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 thank the wider community for joining us in walking and celebrating First Nations history and culture together as part of this year’s Reconciliation Week celebrations,” Mr Rollinson said.

ABOVE: Children from numerous schools across the Gannawarra Shire attended National Reconciliation Week celebrations.

TOP: Novah Hancock participated in the smoking ceremony conducted as part of the Gannawarra's National Reconciliation Week celebrations.