Council aims to acknowledge, respect, and share the stories of the Indigenous Australians on Sorry Day (Friday 26 May) and ahead of National Reconciliation Week which commences on 27 May – 3 June through a series of events and cultural experiences.

This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, ‘Be a Voice for Generations’, urges all Australians to use their power, their words and their actions to create a better, more just Australia for all of us.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said this year’s theme is a powerful reminder of pre-contact and the importance of continuing to share our connection to Country.

"Our nation's history and heritage begins with Aboriginal people and Reconciliation Week gives an opportunity to recognise the people who walked this land before us.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made a valuable contribution to Australian history and while Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week are important to mark, we need to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of their culture every day.


“This year we’re holding a number of great community events to help explore how each of us can contribute to reconciliation through community involvement and education and I encourage the community to take part.” Mayor Heins said.

The community can participate in one of the following unique art and cultural experiences, including during Reconciliation Week including:

  • Documentary screenings – 1999 locally filmed documentary Whiteys Like Us – Sat 27 May, 2pm at Manly Library and Sun 28 May, 2pm at Glen St Library. Bookings essential.
  • Film screenings – Multi-award winning Australia drama filmed directed by Rolf de Heer
    in the Northern Territory – Sat 27 May, 2pm at Mona Vale Library and Sat 3 Jun, 2pm at Manly Library
  • Bushtucker talk – Bush to Bowl are presenting a first hand insight of their Aboriginal knowledge of Country and its rich diverse food sources. Sat 3 Jun, 2pm at Warringah Mall Library.  SOLD OUT.  
  • Click and Create: Basket weaving kits - Using Aboriginal weaving techniques and Tegan Murdock’s guidance, create your own mini weaved basket. $15 + booking fee. Buy your kit
  • Collaborative Colouring-In - Drop into any library branch between 26 May - 3 June, and participate together in colouring-in an indigenous artwork design
  • Weaving Bridges workshop – You are invited to join elders and members of the Aboriginal community of the Northern Beaches. Hear Master Weaver, Aunty Karleen Green yarn about the five song lines of Car-Rang-Gel, North Head and weave alongside her while she shares about local history. Thursdays 1 – 22 Jun, 3pm at Manly Creative Library. Book now
  • Blak Douglas: Inverted Commoners – Gayamay/Manly Cove - Dhungatti artist, Blak Douglas returns to Manly Art Gallery & Museum to present his first solo exhibition since winning the 2022 Archibald Prize. Until Sun 30 July. Find out more
  • JamFactory Icon Kunmanara Carroll: 9 Ngaylu Nyanganyi Ngura Winki (I Can See All Those Places) - A celebration of the achievements of one of South Australia’s most influential artists working in craft-based media - the late Kumunara Carroll. At Manly Art Gallery & Museum until Sunday 4 June. Find out more.

The Aboriginal Support Group Manly Warringah Pittwater also have an opportunity for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to come together and have a yarn on Sun 28 May at Mona Vale Memorial Hall from 1.30pm. The event includes cultural performances, kids’ activities such as boomerang painting, colouring in and so much more. Find out what’s on.

You can find more local events in the Northern Sydney region as part of the Gai-mariagal Festival here.

Find great information and resources by visiting the Aboriginal Heritage Office website and follow the Yarnupings Newsletter education series.

To find out more about Reconciliation Week visit the official website.

 

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