National Reconciliation Week events begin on the Sunshine Coast

Traditional Custodians, the Sunshine Coast First Nations community and council representatives have met on Jinibara lands to launch National Reconciliation Week.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said council was committed to continuing to engage in meaningful action to further reconciliation in our region.

“Today was a great opportunity to gather together, build strong and respectful relationships between First Nations people and non-First Nations people, celebrate the start of National Reconciliation Week and the achievements, commitments and partnerships with the First Nations community,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Sunshine Coast Council was the first local government in Queensland to have developed a Reconciliation Action Plan in partnership with Reconciliation Australia in 2011.

“Our Sunshine Coast Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-22 continues to place a high priority on building strong collaborations and partnerships and supporting social and economic opportunities for the First Nations community.

“The Sunshine Coast local region has a rich First Nations history and I look forward to seeing the RAP work to support a shared future that embraces culture, heritage and diversity.”

Community Development Portfolio Councillor David Law said reconciliation was a long journey we must undertake together.

“This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, Be Brave Make Change, asks us to make change, beginning with brave actions in our daily lives, as we all have a role to play in working towards reconciliation,” Cr Law said.

“We must all commit to learning about our shared histories and exploring how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

“Council is committed to continuing to prioritise meaningful and collaborative working relationships with Traditional Custodians and First Nations people within our region to build a strong, inclusive and connected community on the Sunshine Coast.”

Events held during Reconciliation Week 2022:

Online Library Resources

Sunshine Coast Council Libraries will host a range of activities and provide resources across the week.

From Thursday, May 26 – Thursday, 3 June.

For more information, visit library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/NRW

Constitutional Recognition Voice, Treaty, Truth and Justice Seminar

Hope Dreaming Indigenous Corporation will hold seminars to discuss and reflect on the importance of a constitutionally enshrined First Nations voice at the University of the Sunshine Coast

Seminar One: From 11am on Friday, May 27 at the University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/339644845877

Seminar Two: From 3pm on Friday, May 27 at the Eumundi CWA Community Hall, 78 Memorial Drive, Eumundi

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/339659840727

Nambour Forecourt Live! – National Reconciliation Week

Peace Run Records will host Nambour Forecourt Live! For National Reconciliation Week. Come along for cultural activities, food vans and live music.

From 3.30pm on Friday, 27 May at Nambour Library Forecourt, Corner of Currie and Bury Streets, Nambour.

For event details, visit https://fb.me/e/1AnNAz2Gg 

Talking Treaty and Reconciliation

Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group Inc. will host Dr Jackie Huggins AM, Bidjara & Birri-Guba women, author and historian, who will explain the Qld Treaty process. She will also discuss the importance of reconciliation and will have her books on Indigenous women, history and feminism for sale.

From 2pm on Sunday, May 29 at the University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs

For event details, visit https://fb.me/e/1thmzZx3o

To purchase tickets, visit www.trybooking.com/BYWDR

Wash My Soul in the River’s Flow

Sunshine Coast Council, in collaboration with Caloundra Film Festival, presents Wash My Soul in the River’s Flow as part of Reconciliation Week 2022. The film takes you behind the scenes of the legendary 2004 concert Kura Tungar - Songs from the River. Through conversation, music and stunning imagery the documentary exploring the lives and love story of Ruby Hunter and Archie Roach

From 7pm on Monday, May 30 at Caloundra Cinema, 11 Bulcock Street, Caloundra.

For more information, visit https://www.scfilmfestival.com/event-details/wash-my-soul-in-the-rivers-flow

Aunty Betty Memorial Reconciliation Walk

All are welcome to join Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Group Inc. to celebrate the life and work of Patron Aunty Betty McMahon at the 2022 Aunty Betty Memorial Reconciliation Walk.

Traditional Custodian Aunty Bridgette Chilli will welcome us to her Country and perform a smoking ceremony. She will also share historical culture of the area during a 1.5km wheelchair-accessible circuit. Food and drink will be available from SCRGI sponsors and Saltwater Eco Tours.

From 10am on Tuesday, May 31 at Point Park, Mooloolaba

For event details, visit https://fb.me/e/3C4mJRLcI

'Mimburi Ninyangurra' Exhibition + Artist Talks

Jinibara Culture man BJ Murphy presents his first solo exhibition, with a series of sculptural installations and a songman performance in this not-to-be missed exhibition at Munnimbah-dja Welcome Place in Maleny.

On display until Saturday, 2 July at the Munnimbah-Dja “Welcome Place”, 20 Coral Street, Maleny

For event details, visit https://www.horizonfestival.com.au/news/mimburi-ninyangurra-exhibition/

History Talks

Hear what our Historians in residence uncovered during their research into the region’s First Nations and Sports history. Dr Ray Kerkhove and Kate Kirby have been studying council’s heritage collections, but they also met with community, to expand their research. What did they discover? Join them to find out.

From 9.30-11.30am on Thursday, May 26 at Nambour Heritage Library, Corner of Currie and Bury Streets, Nambour

For event details, visit https://fb.me/e/1sh3Pd6mi

Twilight Sister’s Reconciliation Dinner and Campfire Yarns

Join Nungeena Aboriginal Corporation for Women’s Business for a two-course bushtucker meal under the stars gazing across to Mt Beerwah, mother mountain of the Glasshouse Mountains. Share in fun company with tunes and singalong around the campfire, a children's magic show, storytelling, mocktails, and more.

From 3pm, Saturday, June 4 at Nungeena, 60 Streek Road, Glasshouse Mountains

For event details and tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/twilight-sisters-reconciliation-dinner-campfire-yarns-tickets-335079902007

Suncorp Super Netball Indigenous Round

USC Stadium has become a fortress for visiting Suncorp Super Netball teams and Sunshine Coast Lightning wants you loud and proud as they come up against Collingwood Magpies for First Nations Round.

From 2.30pm on Sunday, June 5 at the USC Stadium, 32 Olympic Way, Sippy Downs.

To purchase tickets, visit, https://sunshinecoastlightning.com.au/fixture/

For more information about National Reconciliation Week 2022, visit council's website.