Saturday 26 August 2023

Reconciliation Victoria hosted our first Voice community gathering in Halls Gap in the Gariwerd/Grampians region.

Local community members and supporters from all walks of life joined us to learn more about the upcoming Voice referendum.

‍Ben Muir, Wotjobaluk and Jardwadjali Traditional Owner, opened with a Welcome to Country and shared the significance of Budja Budja (Halls Gap) to the Traditional Owner groups in the area and invited attendees to take part in a cleansing smoking ceremony.

We were privileged to have guest speakers, Uncle Charles Pakana (Victorian Aboriginal News) and Professor Andrew Gunstone (Rec Vic Co-chair), who spoke candidly on what the Voice means to First Peoples and allies.

Along with Rec Vic CEO Nicole Findlay, Andrew and Uncle Charles addressed questions and concerns on the referendum in a respectful manner, with many locals engaging in the dialogue.

As morning ended, we all gathered for lunch and friendly conversations, reflecting on the journey to the referendum, and how we can support Voice, Truth, Treaty.

Rec Vic warmly thanks Gariwerd Wimmera Reconciliation Network, Federation University, Victorian Aboriginal News and all visitors to Halls Gap who enjoyed the afternoon with us.

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See our image highlights below.