This year the theme is ‘Grounded in Truth. Walk Together with Courage’, which focuses on the race relations dimension of reconciliation. Building upon the 2018 theme, which focused on historical acceptance, we join Reconciliation Australia in encouraging all Australians to build relationships that are based on that foundation.

Geelong Regional Libraries is proud to participate in a local program of activities to recognise the journey towards reconciliation that requires all of us to walk together with courage in partnership. We are pleased to be working with the City of Greater Geelong, Barwon Water, Geelong Gallery, Geelong Performing Arts Centre and Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group on this initiative.

Reconciliation Week Art Exhibition: ‘Grounded in Truth’

Geelong Library & Heritage Centre

Thursday 23 May to Friday 21 June 2019

The exhibition consists of works of art produced by Indigenous inmates as participants in the ‘The Torch’ program at Barwon Prison, Kareenga and Margoneet Correctional Centre.

The Torch provides art, cultural and arts vocational support to Indigenous men and women in Victoria’s justice system. The Torch aims to reduce the rate of reoffending by encouraging the exploration of identity and culture through art programs to define new pathways upon release. Since June 2011 The Torch has been providing art, cultural and arts vocational support to Indigenous offenders and ex-offenders in Victoria through its Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community program. The Torch program supports Indigenous men and women both in prisons and post-release in Victoria to explore their Indigenous culture and identity through practising art.

The artworks are also photographed and will appear in digital projections at Geelong Town Hall and Barwon Water Building sites.

Other local Reconciliation Week events

Grounded in Truth lightshow projection

Friday 24 May to Sunday 9 June, 6pm – 11pm

More than 50 indigenous artworks will be projected onto City Hall and Barwon Water’s forecourt. Find out more here. 

Reconciliation in the Park

Sunday 2 June, 10am – 3pm

Come along to this free event in Johnstone Park, featuring Deadly Dancers, Didgeridoo workshop, traditional craft making, kids activities and a free BBQ. Find out more here. 

Geelong Gallery exhibition: ‘We see recognition – a children’s art exhibition’

Saturday 25 May to Sunday 9 June, weekdays between 10am – 5pm and weekends between 10am – 2pm

Students and educators from a wide range of schools and year levels can explore the theme of reconciliation through classroom learning, activities and workshops. Find out more here. 

Find out more about National Reconciliation Week

If you would like to find out more, Reconciliation Australia have created a range of resources, including a Recommended Reading list, which includes many titles available in the library collection; visit their website for more information.