Community
23 January, 2026
Reconciliation gathering to return
FOLLOWING a positive turnout last year, South West Reconciliation will be hosting a gathering and picnic at Wombeetch Puyuun Reconciliation Park on Australia Day.
The picnic at the Walker Street park will begin at 12noon on Monday, January 26.
South West Reconciliation group convenor Chris Warren said the afternoon will be a time of reflection on Australia as a nation, and an acknowledgement of First Nations peoples’ survival and resilience.
“Our group wants to offer everyone in the community an opportunity to attend a culturally safe gathering in this significant local park,” he said.
“It’s a chance to acknowledge our history and encourage respectful relationships with Country and the First Peoples who show such generosity in helping us learn about their culture and depth of knowledge.
“We’ve arranged for sharing of stories, readings, connection to Country activities and plenty of time to talk together.
“You could bring a picnic and blanket – or chairs – to enjoy this fun and gentle space for a few hours or just come down and check it out for a while and join in.”
The Wombeetch Puyuun Reconciliation Park was established in 2008 to create greater understanding of the town’s indigenous heritage.
The garden is planted with local indigenous species that were used by indigenous people for food, making of tools and medicinal purposes.
The park also features interpretive panels designed by local indigenous artists explaining the history of the local area.
For this January 26 event, a toilet will be provided at the park for the day.
Mr Warren encouraged residents to come together for the picnic.
“January 26 is a challenging day for First Peoples for very real reasons and maintaining our national celebration on this date harms us all as a nation,” he said.
“It is not a date to celebrate – it marks the beginning of 238 years of dispossession and loss for the First Nations of this land.
“Changing the date will harm no one and will be an important step in reconciliation and healing for us all.
“South West Reconciliation is a local reconciliation group affiliated with Reconciliation Victoria.
“We welcome people of any background who aim to restore our relationship with this Country and its First People to what it always should have been – respectful, caring and mutually enriching”
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