Locals connect for Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Week

Michael Warren

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Mossman Support Services manager Heather Taylor (second from left) along with Nicola Falstein, Therese Maloney and Tricia Rayner joined other Mossman residents to celebrate Reconciliation week.

Make change, be brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation – that’s exactly the call to action a leading Far North first nations personality wants to see during one of the most important weeks on the annual calendar.

For Kirsty Burchill reconciliation week, which runs until Friday is a time for all of us to get on with the business of healing and reconciliation so lasting and pivotal change can be made for all first nation Australians.

Just days after Australians paused for National sorry day, the next few days are the perfect opportunity for everyone to learn more about the proud history and culture of both Torres Strait and First nation Australians. 

“We definitely have a long way to go (regarding reconciliation) but we are moving in the right direction,” Ms Burchill told Newsport.

“It’s about empowerment; we want remote communities and the people that live in them to feel proud, and to take steps to live independent and happy functioning lives.

“As an indigenous woman I want others to feel empowered too, and to put one step in front of the other to make a change.”

A special event was held yesterday in Mossman to recognise Reconciliation week.

A strong number of people gathered for a welcome to country, smoking ceremony and live entertainment which was proudly organised by Mossman Support Services.

“Reconciliation week is a really important opportunity for everyone in the community to connect and to shine a lot on the continued importance of highlighting reconciliation,” Mossman Support Services manager Heather Taylor told Newsport.

“It was wonderful to see so many people at our special event.”

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