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Local events mark reconciliation

Bryce LuffFremantle Gazette

In Cockburn the City held an Aboriginal bus tour, a flag raising ceremony and a run for reconciliation, on top of its year-round social clubs, support groups and exercise classes.

More than 240 reconciliation messages from 110 organisations also went on display in Perth and Cockburn.

State Aboriginal Affairs Minister Peter Collier said the week, which commemorates the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision, was an important time to learn more about Aboriginal heritage.

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But Youth off the Streets chief executive and founder Father Chris Riley said that while Reconciliation Week and Naidoc Week highlight the issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, there is not much else for the other 50 weeks of the year.

Father Riley said there needed to be better co-operation between service providers, Aboriginal elders, government departments and community members with an aim for improved outcomes for young people, families and communities.

"This approach ensures that we equip communities with the tools to create positive change," he said.

"Our vision is for all communities to work within a spirit of co-operation; accepting diversity, acknowledging strengths and supporting each other.

"It's time that we start putting our money where our mouth is, not only during Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, but for all 52 weeks of the year."