Reconciliation Week Event Unites Strathbogie Shire’s Young Leaders

As part of Reconciliation Week, Taungurung Land and Waters Council hosted student leaders from primary schools across Strathbogie Shire for a wawa Euroa Wayilak experience at the Euroa Arboretum.

Led by knowledgeable Taungurung Elders, wawa Euroa Wayilak provided a cultural immersion and education experience for the next generation including learning about the cultural uses of plants for food, medicine and tools.

Organised by Strathbogie Shire Council for Reconciliation Week, the tour is one of many actions underway through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Council and Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC).

The MoU includes commitments around cultural recognition, educational initiatives, economic participation and collaborative governance.

Administrator Peter Stephenson highlighted the significance of the Reconciliation Week event.

“Reconciliation Week is an important time for us to reflect on our shared history and take meaningful steps towards a united future,” he said.

“This experience helps build an understanding of how we can all play a part in building strong connections and a deeper understanding of our shared history. It also fosters relationships among student leaders from across the Shire.”

Council’s ongoing partnership with TLaWC was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2021.

‘The MoU highlights Council’s dedication to acknowledging the Taungurung people as the Traditional Owners of Taungurung Country, addressing historical impacts, and fostering reconciliation and mutual respect,’ said Mr Stephenson.

This event was funded through The Community Recovery Hub which is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).