A group hope to promote reconciliation with an event at Kooyoora State Park this Sunday that will give people the opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal culture and history.
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The reconciliation event aims to facilitate cross-cultural sharing and strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
Friends of Kooyoora committee member and Dja Dja Wurrung woman Tashara Roberts said the idea was floated after fellow committee members expressed a desire to learn more about Indigenous culture.
Having a close relationship with Parks Victoria's Indigenous rangers and the Dja Dja Wurrung, she said, had provided a good opportunity to promote reconciliation.
Ms Roberts said it was hoped it would help people understand Indigenous perspectives.
The event will include talks on archaeology, the joint management of parks between Parks Victoria and the Dja Dja Wurrung and Indigenous aspects of the park, art, a cultural activity and walk encompassing features of Aboriginal importance, as well as lunch by Murnong Mammas, who cook using native ingredients.
Kooyoora State Park features many Aboriginal cultural sites and artefacts, including scar trees, ring trees, rock shelters and wells, quarries and work sites.
Ms Roberts said Sunday's event would hopefully be held annually if successful, and open up other conversations.
The event comes ahead of National Reconciliation Week, which begins May 27.
Ms Roberts said reconciliation was not only about delivering outcomes for Indigenous Australians, but respect, recognition and celebration of the world's oldest continuing culture.
It was also about remembering that reconciliation was achieved through Indigenous and non-Indigenous people working together, she said.
The event will begin at the Melville Caves picnic ground at 11am on Sunday, May 19.
To RSVP, call 5448 7124 or email info@nccma.vic.gov.au.
For more information, visit the Friends of Kooyoora Facebook page.
Friends of Kooyoora has partnered with the North Central Catchment Management Authority, Bendigo and District Local Aboriginal Network, Parks Victoria, Loddon Shire and Wartakan.
Kooyoora State Park is one of six parks jointly managed by the state government and the Dja Dja Wurrung people.
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