On May 29, 2025, East Gippsland Shire Council hosted a special celebration at Club Eastwood to honour the strength, wisdom, and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders from across the region.

Around 60 Elders joined Mayor Cr John White, Cr Arthur Allen, Cr Tom Crook, Cr Joanne Eastman, Cr Bernie Farquhar, chief executive officer Fiona Weigall, and several staff for a morning of reflection, connection, and cultural celebration.

The event began with a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Gunaikurnai man Harley Finn, followed by a minute’s silence to honour the memory of Elders who have passed and to acknowledge their lasting contributions to culture, community, and intergenerational strength. The silence also served as a reminder of National Sorry Day, observed earlier in the week on Monday May 26, a time to reflect on the injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to recognise the strength and resilience of the Stolen Generations.

CEO Fiona Weigall said, “As we mark National Reconciliation Week and reflect on the theme ‘Bridging Now to Next’, we reaffirm our commitment to truth-telling, cultural understanding, and respectful partnerships. Our vision is one of mutual respect and harmony, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, values, and contributions are genuinely appreciated by all.”

This commitment is evident in Council initiatives including cultural awareness training for all staff, public art collaborations, and the development of a second Reconciliation Action Plan, a framework that outlines practical steps towards achieving a vision for reconciliation. This plan is guided by the pillars of Respect, Relationships, Opportunities, and Governance. Council is working alongside Aboriginal community members to develop this plan to deliver outcomes that are meaningful and lasting.  

A highlight of the event was the involvement of students from Girls at the Centre – a partnership between Bairnsdale Secondary College and The Smith Family, which is a program that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in Years 7–12 to achieve their social, emotional, cultural, and academic aspirations. The girls supported the event through facilitating craft activities alongside Elders and gifted hand-painted pots to Elders, showcasing their creativity and connection to culture.

Guests shared a meal, enjoyed live music by Uncle Tom and Lyndsey Hammond, and connected through conversation and storytelling.

Council extends heartfelt thanks to the Elders for their enduring strength, stories, and deep connection to Country.

‍