National Reconciliation Week 
National Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
This year's theme is "Be Brave, Make Change", and challenges all Australians - individuals, families, communities, organisations and government - to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians
Read more about this year's theme on the National Reconciliation Week website.
Read more about how we're celebrating and supporting our First Nations Community, click here.
Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country To mark National Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June), Bendigo Library is honoured to be welcomed back to Country by Elders of the Dja Dja Wurrung people. This ceremony will breathe life into our commitment to a better Bendigo, as we work with those of all cultural traditions to build a city based on our shared values of respect and dignity. To be followed by the opening of The Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival, and a screening of the winning short film for this year's Koorie Youth Flick Fest. People of the First Nations and members of the wider community are invited to participate. No bookings required. Thursday 26 May, 4.30-5.30pm |
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Fun with Fibre A very special opportunity to join First Nations Artist and Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Aunty Marilyne Nicholls to create woven fibre rainbow sticks along with snakes and lizards from straw and wool using traditional techniques. Ages 5-12 years (An adult/child event). |
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Storytime with Aunty Kerri Douglas Join Aunty Kerri Douglas for a very special storytime, with stories and songs celebrating Aboriginal culture. Ages 3-5 years, and their big people. No bookings required. Wednesday 1 June, 10.30-11.15am |
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Naming of the Tammia'long Room Tammia'long = Quiet in Dja Dja Wurrung language. It's the perfect word to describe our new meeting space - a quiet room to work, meet, study, read and reflect. Join us as we name the Tammia'long Room with a Welcome to Country by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson, who gave us the name Tammia'long. This will be followed by a cuppa, and some delicious wattle seed biscuits made by the Murnong Mummas. |
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Screening: History Bites Back Trisha Morton-Thomas teams up with Elaine Crombie and Steven Oliver to talk back at negative comments on social media. It's comical, self-aware, and not afraid to launch a rocket or two into taboo issues. Refreshments from Murnong Mammas. In celebration of the Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival. |
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Movie: Babakiueria This comic and thought-provoking short Australian film depicts a role reversal of the First Fleet landing in 1788. Rated PG. |
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John Bonnice: White Privelege Join us for a facilitated discussion enabling non-Aboriginal participants to explore the issue of white privilege and its impact on relationships and work with Aboriginal people, communities and agencies. This reflective session builds an understanding of how to improve our cultural competency in the face of white privilege. |
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National Reconciliation Week artwork Help add feathers to our Bunjil The Creator Spirit artwork. Friday 27 May-Friday 3 June |
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Possum Skin Cloaks See the magnificent Possum Skin Cloaks made by Bendigo's Aboriginal community for the knowledge and enjoyment of all. No bookings required. Friday 27 May-Friday 3 June
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Respect Storywalk Take the family on a very special StoryWalk along the Elmore Campaspe River Walking Track to discover the important messages in Respect, a beautiful story by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson. Collect a map from Elmore Library Agency. Friday 27 May-Friday 10 June |
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