Fairvale High School

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National reconciliation week

reconciliation week

From the 29th May to the 2nd of June, Fairvale High School commemorated National Reconciliation Week, aiming to help build upon the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

This year marked the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, allowing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be finally recognised on the census. Additionally, 2017 is also the 25-year anniversary of the historic Mabo decision of 1992, introducing land rights and Native Title for the Indigenous people of Australia. Building upon these significant decisions, the theme for 2017 was “Let’s take the next steps,” calling for more recognition of Indigenous Australians within the constitution.

The start of reconciliation week at Fairvale High was marked by a formal assembly, hosted by the SRC, creating a foundation for the week ahead. Throughout the week, students participated in the creation of a 3D artwork dubbed The Sea of Hands. Hand-shaped cut outs in the colours of black, red and yellow were used to create an Aboriginal Flag. Additionally, a photo frame was passed around the school and students showed their celebrations of National Reconciliation Week as they took photos within the frame.

Overall, National Reconciliation week casted a spotlight on our progress as a nation in relation to Indigenous Australians, as well as the further progress needed to completely address the issues prevalent within this community. Fairvale High’s efforts throughout the week aimed to help take the next steps in relation to law reform regarding Indigenous Australians.