Reconciliation Week Celebrations at SuniTAFE Mildura Campus
SuniTAFE’s Mildura campus celebrated Reconciliation Week yesterday with a vibrant community event led by students and staff from the Dulka Yuppata First Nations Cultural Support Centre.
This year’s Reconciliation Week theme of ‘All In’ was proudly reflected in the number of attendees from all walks of life, including local Elders, community partners, and SuniTAFE students and staff.
Students performed traditional dances, applied face paint, and cooked Johnny cakes for attendees throughout the event.
A highlight of the afternoon was the unveiling of a 1997 artwork painted by Barkindji artist Mary-Anne Marton to be displayed in the Dulka Yuppata First Nations Cultural Support Centre.
The painting was dedicated by the artist’s grandson, SuniTAFE Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts (ATSICA) student Danny Marton, to honour Mary-Anne's memory and spirit.
SuniTAFE CEO Brett Millington was proud to be a part of this year’s Reconciliation Week celebration.
"We were incredibly grateful to the local community for their amazing attendance at our Reconciliation Week event," Brett said.
"The Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony, and cultural dancing were truly connective and a great introduction to the proceedings.
"The day was so well attended and supported by community, SuniTAFE Mildura staff and students, as well as local industry partners that reflected all of our commitment to being ‘All In’ for reconciliation.
"I was delighted to be present for the unveiling of the memorial plaque and donated 1997 artwork painted by Barkindji artist Mary-Anne Marton by her grandson Danny Marton, a current student with SuniTAFE.
"I could not have been more proud of our Dulka Yuppata and Education teams for their hard work in delivering such an event."