The not-for-profit community group was created at a public meeting at St Kilda Town Hall attended by hundreds of people including Elders, Indigenous community members, politicians, Councillors and the general public in response to widespread interest in reconciliation.
It came as the City of Port Phillip took a major step towards reconciliation in 1997 becoming one of Australia’s first local governments to apologise to members of the Stolen Generation.
That same year, Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation was founded, helping to create avenues for reconciliation between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians through cultural education at a grass roots level.
This year’s National Sorry Day lunch event saw more than 90 guests come together in South Melbourne to acknowledge the pain of the Stolen Generations on many First Nations people and the strength of surviving generations.
Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation Co-Chair Rosemary Rule said it is encouraging to see the group’s work continue after 25 years.
“People are still very much interested in learning more about our First Nations people and continue to support our volunteer work within the community.
“There’s been many positive changes over the years, including increased public awareness, pride and knowledge about our Indigenous history and culture. It’s particularly important that all Australians are informed about issues of reconciliation with the current movement towards the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart into the Constitution.”
The reconciliation group meets on the third Tuesday of each month in the South Melbourne Community Centre and welcomes anyone interested in reconciliation related matters. PPCR also distributes an informative monthly newsletter, Mungo, providing details on local and national First Nations news and events.
