:: Reconciliation Day concert in Melbourne - May 27

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

A free Koori Culture Concert celebrating Reconciliation Day occurs on Friday, May 27, 2005 from 1.00pm to 3.00pm in Federation Square’s BMW Edge. There will also be an opportunity to visit a range of displays and stalls exploring Indigenous lifestyles in the Atrium area.

The Reconciliation Day celebration has been developed through a joint partnership between the Koori Business Network and the Department of Justice.

Reconciliation involves justice, recognition and healing. The Koori Culture Concert encourages Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to find new and better ways of tackling problems and of connecting with one another. It helps all Australians move forward with a better understanding of the past and how the past affects the lives of Indigenous people today.

The Department of Justice will honour community members through its Community Justice Awards, including two new awards - the Koori Youth Award and Elders Award.

Performers include:
King Kadu & Ross Hannaford; the Yorta Yorta Dancers, Aaron Pedersen, The Sweet Cheeks - Lou Bennett and Alics Gate-Eastley, Casey Benedierks, Jarrah, Lionel Austin presenting “Victimisation” from Ilbijerri Aboriginal Theatre Co-op’s 2005 Comedy Festival Show - Natives Getting Funny.

Visit displays and stalls in the Atrium Area, including an Indigenous Photo Display, Basket Weaving demonstrations, Face Painting and exhibition of prints by Indigenous Victorian artists commissioned by the Australian Print Workshop, being sent to the World Expo 2005 Aichi during Victoria Week.

You can find the BMW Edge and The Atrium at Federation Square, cnr Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne

Entry is free.

Pictures:

(top) - Gavin Somers, frontman of the band Jarrah will be playing at the Reconciliation Day Free Koori Culture Concert

(bottom) - Koori Business Network's photo exhibition, Showcasing Success will feature photos of staff from businesses, such as Dee Stanton from the Koori Heritage Trust