Reconciliation Week this year, May 27 to June 3, signifies the 50th anniversary of the successful 1967 Referendum and the 25th anniversary of the Mabo decision.

According to Reconciliation Australia, “May 27 marks the anniversary of Australia’s most successful referendum and a defining event in our nation’s history. The 1967 referendum saw over 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise them in the national census”.

At the close of the week, “June 3 commemorates the High Court of Australia’s landmark Mabo decision in 1992, which legally recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special relationship to the land—a relationship that existed prior to colonalisation and still exists today. This recognition paved the way for land rights or Native Title”.

The theme for 2017 is “Let’s take the next steps”.

Mayor Wayne Bedggood said the council’s Community Services Committee had been discussing ways to build stronger and inclusive relationships with indigenous members of our community over past months.

“Reconciliation Week provides a great opportunity to take the next steps by the community coming together to mark this important year for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” he said.

The event, from 10am, in the forecourt of council’s Administration Centre, 135 Liverpool Street, will be followed by a morning tea, so please RSVP for catering to 6540 1141.