News & Blog

National Reconciliation Week 2019 logo News

National Reconciliation Week 2019

This year the theme is ‘Grounded in Truth. Walk Together with Courage’, which focuses on the race relations dimension of reconciliation. Building upon the 2018 theme, which focused on historical acceptance, we join Reconciliation Australia in encouraging all Australians to build relationships that are based on that foundation.

Geelong Regional Libraries is proud to participate in a local program of activities to recognise the journey towards reconciliation that requires all of us to walk together with courage in partnership. We are pleased to be working with the City of Greater Geelong, Barwon Water, Geelong Gallery, Geelong Performing Arts Centre and Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group on this initiative.

Reconciliation Week Art Exhibition: ‘Grounded in Truth’

Geelong Library & Heritage Centre

Thursday 23 May to Friday 21 June 2019

The exhibition consists of works of art produced by Indigenous inmates as participants in the ‘The Torch’ program at Barwon Prison, Kareenga and Margoneet Correctional Centre.

The Torch provides art, cultural and arts vocational support to Indigenous men and women in Victoria’s justice system. The Torch aims to reduce the rate of reoffending by encouraging the exploration of identity and culture through art programs to define new pathways upon release. Since June 2011 The Torch has been providing art, cultural and arts vocational support to Indigenous offenders and ex-offenders in Victoria through its Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community program. The Torch program supports Indigenous men and women both in prisons and post-release in Victoria to explore their Indigenous culture and identity through practising art.

The artworks are also photographed and will appear in digital projections at Geelong Town Hall and Barwon Water Building sites.

Other local Reconciliation Week events

Grounded in Truth lightshow projection

Friday 24 May to Sunday 9 June, 6pm – 11pm

More than 50 indigenous artworks will be projected onto City Hall and Barwon Water’s forecourt. Find out more here

Reconciliation in the Park

Sunday 2 June, 10am – 3pm

Come along to this free event in Johnstone Park, featuring Deadly Dancers, Didgeridoo workshop, traditional craft making, kids activities and a free BBQ. Find out more here

Geelong Gallery exhibition: ‘We see recognition – a children’s art exhibition’

Saturday 25 May to Sunday 9 June, weekdays between 10am – 5pm and weekends between 10am – 2pm

Students and educators from a wide range of schools and year levels can explore the theme of reconciliation through classroom learning, activities and workshops. Find out more here

Find out more about National Reconciliation Week

If you would like to find out more, Reconciliation Australia have created a range of resources, including a Recommended Reading list, which includes many titles available in the library collection; visit their website for more information.

Back to news

You may also like...

News

Magazines now available on BorrowBox!

Your favourite eMagazines are now available on BorrowBox, alongside eBooks and eAudiobooks — all in one easy app.

News

Libraries closed for Annual Staff Day - Friday 7 November

All libraries including the Geelong Heritage Centre and mobile libraries, will be closed on Friday 7 November for our annual staff training day.

News

Call for applications: Arts and Craft Market Day 2025

Calling all local makers, artists and creatives! We invite you to apply to sell your wares and creations at our Arts and Craft Market Day on Saturday 6 December

News

Upcoming public holiday closures

The upcoming Geelong Cup and Melbourne Cup public holidays will affect different libraries on different days. See what's open and when.

News

Libraries closed for AFL grand final public holiday

A friendly reminder to our customers that all libraries are closed for the public holiday on Friday 26 September.

News

Expressions of interest: Children's & youth events at the library

Calling all creatives, community groups and organisations - we're seeking expressions of interest for engaging children and youth events in 2026.