Some of Townsville’s most iconic landmarks will be lit up black, yellow, red, blue, green and white this week to commemorate National Reconciliation Week and Mabo Day.
Tomorrow (Thursday 2 June) night residents will see the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags illuminated on the Townsville sign at Central Park, Wharton Reef Lighthouse, Victoria Bridge, George Roberts Bridge, Old Magistrates Court House, Flinders Square, Little Fletcher Bridge and Central Park Boardwalk.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said lighting the landmarks would help promote awareness about the importance and significance of National Reconciliation Week.
“This week is a time for all Townsville residents to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and explore how we can all achieve reconciliation,” Cr Hill said.
“Tomorrow we will illuminate these landmarks in the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags.
“On Friday we will light up these landmarks in green, blue, and white to raise awareness for Mabo Day and commemorate the successful efforts towards the introduction the Native Title Act 1993.
“Townsville has a rich First Nations Australians’ history, as home to the Wulguruakaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun, Bindal, Gugu Badhun and Nywaigi Traditional Owners.
“Council is reminding the community about the importance of ongoing unity and mutual respect for all cultures during these significant dates on the Australian calendar .”
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said Council was committed to continuing its contribution to reconciliation.
“Last year, we introduced our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan to lay out our priorities towards achieving reconciliation with Townsville’s First Nations Australians,” Cr Greaney said.
“We are working to improve, to engage and build mutually beneficial relationships, to deliver community education and support programs, to promote culturally significant dates, to improve employment outcomes and to increase procurement opportunities for First Nations owned businesses.
“This plan is a vital step toward helping achieve those objectives.”
