National Reconciliation Week runs annually from 27 May to 3 June and invites us to reflect on the significant steps towards a unified nation and to celebrate the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Shepparton & Goulburn Valley region has the largest First Nations population in regional Victoria and values the richness of their culture and history.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Indigenous culture or to honour the journey towards reconciliation, there are numerous to do so when you’re visiting Shepparton & Goulburn Valley throughout the year. We hope this handy guide will help.

• Walk the path travelled by those before us, with The Flats Aboriginal Historical Walk
• Support Yorta Yorta artists by taking a piece home with you from Kaiela Arts, or creating your own clay turtle as part of the annual turtle muster.
• Visit the Bangerang Cultural Centre and deepen your learning.
• Pay your respect at the William Cooper Memorial Statue in the centre of the Queens Gardens
• Learn about our Dana Djirrungana Dunguludja Yenbena-l (Yorta Yorta for Proud, Strong, Aboriginal People). The Aboriginal Street Art Project aims to celebrate and recognise the local Aboriginal history. There are currently five locations:
  • William Cooper and Sir Douglas Nicholls (Mural by Adnate)
  • Aunty Margaret Tucker (MBE) and Nora “Nanny” Charles (Mural by Adnate)
  • Private Daniel Cooper (Mural by Cam Scale)
  • Aunty Geraldine Briggs and the late Aunty Elizabeth Morgan. (Mural by Adnate)
  • Aunty Violet Harrison and Aunty Mary James (Mural by Adnate)
• Connect with the land at the Australian Botanic Gardens Weaving Garden & Turtle Garden.
• Stay at the Craigmuir Lake House or book a Whoop Whoop Walk About Tours
• Throw in a line at Dunyak Moira Catch and Release Fishing Lagoons in Merrigum, or take a fishing tour with Corey Walker and Burnanga Fishing Tours
• In the main street of Dookie you’ll discover a Nomadic Silo Art, by Tom Day, or view his mural at 415 Wyndham street, Shepparton
• There are many more murals across the region, with seven works by Tammy-Lee Atkinson in our small towns of Dookie, Tallygaroopna, Mooroopna, Murchison, Merrigum, Toolamba and Tatura. As well as a larger scale mural by Tammy in the laneway between the Shepparton Library and Riverlinks Eastbank. You can also discover more at the Victoria Lake Skate Park, and in McLennan Street Mooroopna. Each artwork tells its own story.
• The Moooving Art are scattered across the region, and you will find artworks by Ross Morgan, Eric Brown, Tammy-Lee, Frances & Heather Atkinson. Journey, Family and Coming Together by Ross Morgan; Sista by Tammy-Lee Atkinson, Frances Atkinson and Heather Atkinson; Dunguludja Walaby Tammy-Lee Atkinson; and UniMoo by Eric Brown.
• Mulana nin iyoga walking trail at Mount Major provides breathtaking views, and interpretive signs that provide an insight into the area's rich cultural history.

As National Reconciliation Week comes to an end, the journey towards reconciliation continues. The locations we've highlighted here serve as powerful reminders of the rich cultural heritage and the ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By visiting these sites and connecting with their stories, we can all play a part in building a more inclusive and respectful Australia. Let these experiences inspire us to keep learning, listening, and acting towards a future where the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is strengthened and celebrated every day. Remember, reconciliation is not just a week-long commitment but a continuous journey.