On 27th May 2023 – the start of National Reconciliation Week, Wyndham City Council organised a community event known as the Reconciliation Tree Planting Day to plant 3,000 trees on the beautiful land of Wadawurrung Country.
This Reconciliation Week event showcased the community’s commitment to reconciliation, equality, and environmental sustainability. Jeff Wilson, CDC Victoria’s CEO and Mark Stone, Manager of Business Performance were in attendance coming together to plant trees and actively participated in the process of healing, acknowledging the injustices of the past, and working towards a shared future. The event also served as an educational platform, allowing attendees to deepen their understanding of the history, culture, and traditions of the area’s Indigenous peoples.
The day began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country ceremony and welcome speech by Wyndham City Council Lord Mayor, Susan McIntyre acknowledging and honouring the traditional custodians of Wadawurrung country on which the event was held on. Over 200 people from different communities attended to give a helping hand. This included local community members, Wyndham council representatives, and representatives of businesses in Wyndham gathered at Presidents Park, Werribee to participate in the tree planting activities.
“The welcoming speech was very engaging where the local indigenous story of the area took everyone on a journey. It was good to see everyone participate in smoking ceremony. The tree planting is a good feeling, especially with a lot of small children helping.”
Mark Stone, Manager of Business Performance, CDC Victoria
The event served as a uniting symbol of reconciliation, as individuals from diverse backgrounds planted trees as a local collective. The planting of each tree represented a commitment to fostering stronger connections and healing the wounds of the past. Participants engaged in meaningful conversations, shared stories and gained a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the First Nations people. By actively involving the younger generation, the Reconciliation Tree planting day also nurtured a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the environment, emphasising the importance of sustainability and preserving the land for future generations.
“The event was a great success with many families participating on the day. Traditional owners shared their language and gave meaning to their stories of land, water, country and the importance of reconciliation for our entire community.
It was great to see families listening intently to welcome to the country and participating in the smoking ceremony. The children loved planting the trees and the sausage sizzle that followed.”
Jeff Wilson, CEO, CDC Victoria
“The event was a great success with many families participating on the day. Traditional owners shared their language and gave meaning to their stories of land, water, country and the importance of reconciliation for our entire community.
