Moyne’s National Reconciliation Week program

Published on 27 May 2026

Music, weaving and First Nations creativity will take centre stage across Moyne Shire as part of this year’s National Reconciliation Week celebrations from 27 May to 3 June 2026.

Moyne Shire Council in partnership with Wata Waetnanda, local artists, schools and community groups, will deliver a series of community activities aligned with the 2026 National Reconciliation Week theme, All In.

A key initiative is Council’s involvement in Reconciliation Australia’s Voices for Reconciliation project, bringing together community choirs and school groups to perform Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil in a locally produced video project.

The collaborative video, filmed by local videographer Colleen Hughson, will feature local voices from across Moyne and Warrnambool and will be released during National Reconciliation Week.

The community is also invited to take part in Sing With Us, a special community sing-along event on Fiddlers Green in Port Fairy on Saturday 30 May at 11am.

Community members involved in the Voices for Reconciliation project will lead the broader community in a public sing-along of Beds Are Burning. Everyone is welcome to join in, with no singing experience needed.

Mayor, Cr Jordan Lockett said the program aimed to create opportunities for connection, participation and learning within the community.

“National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for people to come together, listen and learn through shared experiences,” Cr Lockett said.

“It’s wonderful to see local artists, schools and community members contributing to activities that celebrate culture, creativity and connection.”

“We should be incredibly proud to embrace and learn from the oldest continuing culture on earth. By acknowledging and understanding the truths of our shared history, we create stronger relationships, greater respect and a more connected future for everyone in our community"

The community can take part in a public weaving session with Gunditjmara artist Sandra Aitken at Port Fairy Community House on Saturday 30 May 2026 from 9am to 1pm.

Sandra learnt the art of basket weaving through generations of her family, including her Aunty Connie Hart, a respected Gunditjmara basket weaver and community elder.

“The Indigenous art of basket weaving was passed down to me through generations of my ancestors,” Sandra said.

Sandra continues to share and promote Indigenous culture through workshops, schools and community education programs across the region.

Additional National Reconciliation Week activities will take place at the Port Fairy market, featuring Indigenous artist Sherry Johnstone and her new fashion label Flash1A, alongside Worn Gundidj Native Nursery with a selection of native plants.

For more information, visit Moyne Shire Council’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/moyneshirecouncil/ or the Creative Moyne Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CreativeMoyne