Arange of events will be held this week to acknowledge National Reconciliation Week.
The theme for 2022 is “Be Brave. Make Change” and the Mount Gambier City Council’s program will celebrate the recent dual naming of culturally significant local sites.
Mount Gambier Library is inviting youths aged 13 years and over to participate in the Boandik Country; Through My Lens Photography Challenge.
Library and Community Development manager Georgina Davison said the photographic competition was now open and calls for submissions of photographs showcasing any of the six local landmarks where dual naming had been implemented.
“We are encouraging local youth to get out their cameras and capture one of the six prominent sites. The corresponding dual name must be visually present within the finished photograph – either digitally or creatively,” she said.
“There are some great prizes to be won … so get your entries in to the library either by email or our social media channels by Thursday.”
Ms Davison said the photography competition would be complemented by a photographic display in the library foyer utilising photos from the Les Hill Collection compared with current day photos of sites of cultural significance.
The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre is also encouraging the community to get acquainted with the dual named sites through a colouring in competition.
Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre Coordinator Talie Teakle said six different colouring sheets had been created exploring the sites and acknowledging the traditional owners as the custodians of the land where Mount Gambier/Berrin sits today.
“You can download the colouring sheets from our website or visit The Riddoch during Reconciliation Week to colour at our colouring in station,” Ms Teakle said.
“To enter, send a photo of your best completed colouring in sheet via email or drop it off in person for a chance to win a great kids prize pack, including a copy of the children’s book ‘Annie’s Story’ written by Boandik Elder Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr.”
Individuals and school groups can join the Mount Gambier Library today for two story sessions, including Storytime at 10.30am for under five year olds featuring “Somebody’s Land” by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing.
The session will be followed by an activity for children to create a door hanger with the theme “My bedroom is on Boandik Country”
Aunty Michelle will read local dreamtime story “Thugi” in the Cave Garden/Thugi at 1.30pm, followed by a guided drawing experience at the library.
Uncle Ken Jones will join the program on Thursday at 10am and 1pm to perform a Welcome to Country and teach children about indigenous culture through sensory re-creation of local landmarks.
“We are very fortunate to have the involvement of local Aboriginal Elders as part of the City of Mount Gambier National Reconciliation Week program,” Ms Davison said.
All events are free. To book, contact Mount Gambier Library on 8721 2540 or The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre on 8721 2563.
