NATIONAL Reconciliation Week has begun for 2025, with the Broken Hill City Council holding a local event on Wednesday, May 28, at Sturt Park.
This year’s theme is ‘Bridging Now to Next’, which represents ongoing connections between past, present and future, and calls for Australians to be guided by lessons from the past.
National Reconciliation Week is held annually between May 27 to June 3, marking the 1967 referendum which had a successful ‘Yes’ vote which allowed First Nations people to be counted in the general population for the first time.
This year’s march began in town square and finished in Sturt Park, with all public primary schools in Broken Hill taking part and activities and lunch on offer for attendees.
Wilyakali woman Taunoa Bugmy, who addressed the crowd and delivered the Welcome to Country, said this year’s march was the largest she’s seen.
“I can’t believe the crowd that was there today,” she said.
“That’s an outstanding effort from Broken Hill considering previous years, the numbers have been a lot smaller.
“I’m amazed by it.”
Ms Bugmy said the turn out gives her hope for a brighter future.
“It gives our people a little hope in terms of reflecting on the two years that we’ve had in terms of racism following The Voice to Parliament, and then again with the Federal election in terms of Welcome to Country,” she said.
Ms Bugmy said that despite these recent issues, only one local organisation has withdrawn from paying for Welcome to Country addresses.
“The only people that withdrew from paying for the welcome is the Broken Hill City Council,” she said.
“We’ve actually obtained more businesses and agencies reaching out to provide Welcome to Country for their formal events and meetings.
“It’s a great response from the community as a whole for Broken Hill.”
Broken Hill City councillor Hayley Jewitt, who stood in for Mayor Cr Tom Kennedy as he was unable to attend due to other commitments, said she was amazed at the community unity.
“I’m just really amazed and I love the unity; I think it’s probably the best way to describe it,” she said.
“The link between community, council and the schools is great because when the youth are involved, I think that’s the best way to carry it forward.
“To include younger generations is really important.”
