More than 200 people walk along Geraldton foreshore to mark Reconciliation Week 2024

As the skies opened on Wednesday morning, more than 200 people gathered in Geraldton to demonstrate their commitment to Reconciliation Week.

Reconciliation Week honours two of the most significant dates in Australia’s recognition of Aboriginal people: the 1967 referendum for Aboriginal rights on May 27 and the High Court’s Mabo decision on June 3, 1992.

The event organised by the Department of Justice began at the Rocks Laneway on Marine Terrace, with elder Raelene Councillor welcoming the crowd to Yamatji country.

The theme of Reconciliation Week 2024 is “Now more than ever”.

According to Reconciliation Australia, it acts as a “reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will — and must —continue”.

Participants marched from the Rocks Laneway along the foreshore to Stow Gardens.

The Indigenous, Torres Strait Island and Australian flags were at the front of the march.

Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said the walk was an opportunity for the community to “walk together to celebrate the culture and contributions of Aboriginal people and celebrate and advocate for strong positive relationships with each other”.

“Reconciling our past and working towards a bright future of collaboration and respect,” she said.

Students from schools across Geraldton were in attendance, alongside community service organisations including Centacare, Desert Blue Connect and the Aboriginal Family Legal Service.

A morning tea and sausage sizzle was held after the walk.

“Having the community walk in solidarity with a shared purpose symbolises the importance of working together,” Justice and Community Network Committee chairperson and Adult Community Corrections team leader Samantha Harring said.

The Department of Justice’s involvement with the committee is in line with its reconciliation action plan to improving equitable justice outcomes for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.