The Department of Justice will support the Geraldton community in taking another step towards reconciliation when it hosts the city’s 2024 National Reconciliation Week Walk on Wednesday 29 May.
The “Wanarayimanha” walk is organised by the Justice and Community Network Committee, a collaboration between the Department and several agencies and organisations, to promote reconciliation and foster positive community engagement.
Wanarayimanha is Wajarri for walking together in a group or mob.
Chairperson of the Justice and Community Network Committee and Adult Community Correction’s Team Leader, Samantha Harring, said the walk perfectly captures the spirit of this year’s Reconciliation Week theme, ‘Now More Than Ever’.
“It has been a privilege to be a part of the committee and see this event grow in popularity,” she said.
“Having the community walk in solidarity with a shared purpose symbolises the importance of working together and embodies the Department’s commitment to fostering respectful partnerships.”
This year’s walk will get moving at 11.00am from Rock’s Laneway in Marine Terrace, following a ‘Welcome to Country’ by a representative of the Naajuja people.
The route takes crowds along the foreshore before returning to Rocks Laneway for a sausage sizzle and some light refreshments.
The walk is one of two upcoming free community events in Geraldton organised by the Justice and Community Network Committee, the second being a NAIDOC Week event planned for Friday 19 July.
The department’s involvement with the Committee is in line with its Reconciliation Action Plan, committed to improving equitable justice outcomes for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
Other committee partners include Police, Department of Communities, Centacare, Family Relationships Centre, Police and Community Youth Centre, Mission Australia, Legal Aid Commission, Aboriginal Legal Service, Aboriginal Family Legal Service, Desert Blue Connect, Thirrili, and The City of Greater Geraldton.
Further details and updates about the event are available on the City of Greater Geraldton website.
