ACKNOWLEDGING COUNTRY
‘Wominjeka.’  We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri people and Elders past and present, who are traditional caretakers and custodians of the Yarra Valley catchment area, of which the City of Manningham is a part. Wominjeka means ‘Welcome’ in the Woiwurung Language of the Wurundjeri.   Welcome to Reconciliation Manningham’s website.

ADVANCING PARTNERSHIP
“We are totally different people, totally different cultures, but I say I want you to know what culture is from an Aboriginal perspective”
‘Aunty’ Professor Joy Wandin Murphy AO, Wurundjeri Elder

“There has never been a partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of this land in the first place.  I take this word reconciliation and use it to reconcile people back to Mother Earth, so we can walk this land together in harmony and heal one another.” ‘Uncle’ Max Dulumunmun Harrison, Yuin Elder
“Elders: Wisdom From Australian Indigenous Leaders,” ed. Peter McConchie

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 27 MAY – 3 JUNE 2012
Find numerous fascinating events and activities all over Melbourne on the Reconciliation Victoria Events Calendar and Manningham Council links below and on our Events Page http://www.reconciliationvic.org.au/community-events.php
http://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/play/events/reconciliation_week_.html
RECONCILIATION MANNINGHAM EVENTS INCLUDE:
Wed 23 May Council’s official launch and opening of Indigenous Art Exhibit
Mon 28 May Unveiling Aboriginal Designer John Baxter’s Traffic Signal Box
Wed 30 May Indigenous Culture Riverside Walk in Warrandyte with John Baxter
Fri 1st June Indigenous Marker Tree Ceremony and Indigenous & Pioneer Heritage Bush
Walk with Wurundjeri Elder Bill Nicholson and historian Jim Poulter in Doncaster
Check all details on the links above

YOLNU MAKAARR DHUNI REJECT ‘Stronger Futures” LEGISLATION
The Yolŋu Makarr Dhuni, an assembly of eight Aboriginal nations in the Western, Central and East Arnhem Land areas of the Northern Territory, have released a statement rejecting the Federal Government’s Stronger Futures legislation. Read the statement on
http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/

ABC TV MESSAGE STICK  13 MAY 1:30 PM: BAYMARRWANGGA, Senior Australian of the Year at 95 years old still working hard to preserve the language and culture of her people in the Crocodile Islands.

SUN 29 APRIL 2 PM: INDIGENOUS HISTORY OF THE YARRA VALLEY
Launch of Mick Woiwod’s archives with Joy Murphy-Wandin, Senior Wurundjeri Elder at Eltham Library http://www.reconciliationvic.org.au/community-events.php

SATURDAY 24 – SUNDAY 25 MARCH: WARRANDYTE FESTIVAL
Over 1500 kids and adults enthusiastically appreciated the “Welcome to Country” by Wurundjeri Elder Bill Nicholson and the Jindi Worabak Ritual Smoking Ceremony, Traditional Dancing and Didgeridoo, organised by Reconciliation Manningham in partnership with the Warrandyte Festival Opening Ceremony organiser, Deidre Prior.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR  AWARD:

Jim Poulter, Secretary of Reconciliation Manningham and noted author has won the Manningham Citizen of the Year  2012 Award. He was nominated by Bill Nicholson, Wurundjeri Council Elder in recognition of Jim’s numerous civic contributions and his life-long commitment to the Aboriginal Community .
MENZIES AWARD:
Bridget Halge, President of Reconciliation Manningham has received a Menzies Award for outstanding Community Service and Achievement.

Yarra River Photo by: Jeremy Loftus-Hills, ETV Studios
http://www.edutv.com.au/pages/about.html
Reconciliation Manningham Logo by: Russell Kennedy, INDIGO: International Indigenous Design Network | http://www.indigodesignnetwork.org http://newaustralianflag.squarespace.com