Council hosts Aboriginal Community Art project
In 1967 Australians voted overwhelmingly to amend the constitution to include Aboriginal people in the Census.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic occasion, Wingecarribee Shire Council and the Wingecarribee Reconciliation Group Inc. will be hosting a Community Art Project.
Council’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer Melissa Wiya spoke about the ramifications of the Referendum and the upcoming art project.
“Prior to the 1967 Referendum, Aboriginal people were still considered under the Flora and Fauna Act,” Melissa said.
“However once Australians voted ‘Yes’, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were included in future Census counts.
“It also gave the Australian Government the power to make laws for Aboriginal people,” Melissa said.
“Our 50th anniversary art project is intended to both commemorate this landmark decision but also celebrate the progress made since that historic milestone.”
“It’s also meant to illustrate the flow-on effects the decision had on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the land,” Melissa added.
As part of the project Aunty Wendy Lotter will lead a community mural painting at the Aboriginal Cultural and Community Centre in Mittagong on Sunday 28 May.
“We encourage all aspiring artists to join us for a fun day of colour, friendship and reflection.”
The 50th Anniversary of the 1967 Constitutional Referendum Community Art Project will be held on Sunday 28 May from 10.00am to 2.00pm at the Aboriginal Cultural and Community Centre on Rainbow Road in Mittagong.
A barbeque lunch will be provided for all attendees.
The finished mural will be placed on public exhibition in Council’s Civic Centre courtyard during this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations in July.
For more information contact the Wingecarribee Reconciliation Group at reconciliation.wingecarribee@gmail.com.