Students, elders, community leaders and residents take part in Shellharbour’s Reconciliation School Flag Walk. Photo: Shellharbour City Council Facebook.
More than 700 students walked alongside elders, community leaders and residents in Shellharbour’s 19th annual Reconciliation School Flag Walk, marking a powerful show of unity during National Reconciliation Week.
The walk from Warilla-Barrack Point Surf Life Saving Club to Reddall Reserve East reflected this year’s theme, “All In”, calling on all Australians to listen, learn and take responsibility for reconciliation every single day.
Following the walk, participants came together for a traditional smoking ceremony, cultural dance by members of Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience, a civic ceremony and moving flag exchange, along with cultural activities designed to encourage learning, reflection and connection.
Organised by Shellharbour City Council, the long-running event provided an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each individual can contribute to reconciliation in Australia.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the reconciliation walk continued to be a significant and meaningful event for the city of Shellharbour.
“Our Reconciliation School Flag Walk is a powerful reminder that reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility,” Cr Homer said.
“This year’s theme ‘All In’, is a call for collective responsibility and action, reminding us that reconciliation is not the work of a few – it requires all of us to show up, listen, learn and walk forward together.”
It included students from primary and high schools across Shellharbour who took part in the walk, proudly carrying flags as a symbol of unity and respect.
Kiama Public School also joined the event, with nine First Nations students taking part in the walk.
They were joined by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members in a visible commitment to reconciliation.
“Seeing our young people walking alongside elders and community members shows what’s possible when we’re all in, learning from the past and building stronger, more respectful relationships for the future,” Cr Homer said.
In previous years, the event has helped launch such things as the Burri Burri whale artwork at Reddall Reserve, which now features as part of the Lake Illawarra Art Trail.
National Reconciliation Week was held from 27 May to 3 June.
