Reconciliation walk uplifting

KATINA CURTIS

LOCAL Aboriginal woman Gwenda Jarrett’s welcome to country at this year’s reconciliation events on Friday was doubly significant because it was the first time she had attended.

In another first, Mayor Sandra McCarthy announced Kiama Council and the Port Kembla Port Corporation had formed a partnership to recognise significant Aboriginal sites in the municipality.

“Today’s my first attendance at reconciliation because for many years I observed little change and progress for our specific community of Kiama and Gerringong,” Mrs Jarrett said.

“However, because times have changed with a big plus from our Prime Minister saying sorry, Aboriginal peoples like myself understand there will be future generations of changes for our people to work together as one for all cultures to reconcile.”

In her welcome to country, Mrs Jarrett said: “As we all move into the future, we will become one and there will be peace across the land.”

She also introduced Dootch Kennedy, chair of the Illawarra Aboriginal Land Council, who gave a welcome in Aboriginal languages to the crowd of almost 200.

As part of the ceremony, Richard Campbell and the Little Nargens dance troupe performed several traditional dances, Year 3 students from Ss Peter and Paul recited The Spiritual Song of the Aborigine by indigenous poet Hyllus Maris, and the Kiama Women’s Peace Choir sang.

Kyra Green, Shaney Jarrett and Kasey Ardler, all Aboriginal students at Kiama High School, raised the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags with Cr McCarthy in front of the council chambers. This was the first time all three flags had been raised in the reconciliation ceremony.

Mrs Jarrett thanked everyone who had been involved in the significant event.

“I give recognition and respect to all who have contributed valuable efforts to make our Reconciliation and Sorry Day in our community a success,” she said.

“A special thank you goes to John and Jane Littrich, the reconciliation mob and the mayor and the council.”