Whitlam Leisure Centre Hosts Reconciliation Week Event

Recent Reconciliation Week celebrations took place around the country. In Liverpool, NSW, the local Aboriginal land council, Gandangara, needed a larger event space for their Reconciliation Week celebration, to accommodate the hundreds of registrations they received.

Community Engagement Coordinator Ernest Kulauzovic took the initiative to organise the event at a suitable venue, with Alex Simmons and Elizabeth Stratix providing their support for this endeavour.

Belgravia Leisure and Belgravia Foundation fully backed this event, covering the hire fees through funds generated by the Reverse Vending Machine. The Belgravia Foundation manages these funds in collaboration with Liverpool City Council to promote increased access and inclusion within the local community.

The Reconciliation Week event saw a significant turnout of over 300 participants, including representatives from local and state government agencies, as well as non-government services and various First Nations organisations, who set up stalls and shared their resources.

A Welcome to Country was delivered by Tony Scholes, Chairman of Gandangara LALC, followed by a smoking ceremony led by Uncle Harry Callaghan, and a captivating cultural yidaki performance. CEO Melissa Williams addressed the crowd, emphasising the importance of unity and communal care for one another.

The Australian flag was raised by Allyssa Daniels GEO, who is of Aboriginal descent and represents Belgravia/Whitlam. She was accompanied by Allanah Walker, another GEO and Swim Instructor, who is also of Aboriginal heritage.

There was a BBQ and other food provided by Gandangara, and children actively participated in sports and recreation trial sessions. Belgravia’s regional, area and venue staff were present to welcome and engage with the participants.