Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan is being launched at the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival.
It is an integral part of the council’s commitment to encouraging a deeper understanding of the cultures and traditions of First Nation’s peoples and creating opportunities and partnerships to promote knowledge and skills.
Three unique events will open the festival on Country, over one big weekend (March 26-27).
Each of the events will celebrate the region’s rich Indigenous heritage and offering a unique opportunity to learn from Traditional Owners’ and Custodians’ connection to Country.
On March 26 there will be a Celebrating Dja Dja Wurrung Country event at 10am, Dja Dja Wurrung country – Malmsbury Common.
Malmsbury Common is a highly valued conservation reserve containing significant native grasslands, wetlands and stream bank vegetation.
The event will include a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony with a Dja Dja Wurrung Elder, launch of the Reconciliation Action Plan, Djaara cultural food and fibre plants tour, introduction to new trail network and Indigenous signage, a bushfood-inspired morning tea by Murnong Mammas, and a coffee truck onsite.
This is a free event, but places are limited. To register visit visitmacedonranges.com
A Celebrating Taungurung Country event will also be held at 2pm, Taungurung Country – Bald Hill Reserve.
Located on the outskirts of Kyneton, this woodland and grassland reserve is an ecologically, geologically and culturally significant location.
The event will include a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony with Taungurung elder Aunty Joanne Honeysett, launch of the RAP, and a short group walk to celebrate the unique natural environment of Bald Hill.
This is a free event, but places are limited. To register visit: visitmacedonranges.com
On Sunday March 27 there will be a Celebrating Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country event at 11am, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country – Jacksons Creek Reserve, Gisborne.
Picnic in Gisborne’s beautiful Jacksons Creek Reserve and experience a wonderful afternoon of live music and fun in the sun among the autumn leaves.
This free event will include a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony with Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung elder Mandy Nicholson, launch of the RAP, and a special guest performance.
Stay on for the Ultimate Autumn Picnic and an afternoon of vibrant, family-friendly live music performed by vocal superstars ‘Cassidy La Crème’ and ‘Tash York’ playing the hottest Top-40 hits from the 90s to today.
Bring your own picnic lunch, or treat yourself to something tasty from the selection of food trucks standing by.
