Premier

Supporting Reconciliation In Victoria

27 May 2020

The Victorian Government is taking action to progress reconciliation and support Aboriginal Victorians.

To mark the beginning of Reconciliation Week 2020, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams today announced $920,000 for Reconciliation Victoria – which works to promote understanding, respect and recognition for Aboriginal Victorians.

The funding will support its operations over the next three years.

Reconciliation Victoria has been doing invaluable work championing reconciliation across the state since its establishment in 2002, working with all levels of government, schools, local reconciliation groups and youth groups.

It also delivers signature events such as Reconciliation Week and the Helping Achieve Reconciliation Together Awards.

Reconciliation Week is a significant event on the calendar – capturing both the anniversary of the 1967 referendum for Aboriginal rights on 27 May and the High Court‘s Mabo decision on 3 June 1992.

This year holds even greater significance, marking 20 years since the Reconciliation Walks of 2000, when hundreds of thousands of Australians walked in support of reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme is ‘in this together’.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams

“We’ve still got plenty to do to achieve true reconciliation, but we’re moving forward – acknowledging our past and supporting self-determination for our First Peoples.”

“Reconciliation Victoria has been doing great work to bridge that gap of understanding and this funding will help continue that work for years to come.”

Quote attributable to Reconciliation Victoria Co-Chair Michelle Isles

As more Victorians seek to understand what role they can play, we welcome the announcement of a new three-year partnership with the Victorian Government.”

Quote attributable to Reconciliation Victoria Co-Chair Shane Charles

“Reconciliation Victoria is uniquely positioned to respond by shining a light on what is possible and appropriate to address inequity in our communities while championing and enabling Aboriginal self-determination.”

Reviewed 13 August 2020

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