Weather doesn’t deter reconciliation walkers

Inclement weather did not deter almost 200 people from banding together to take steps towards a brighter future at Saturday’s Reconciliation Walk across Koombana Bridge.

The crowd swelled in numbers as it took to the streets, almost doubling as it reached its final destination at the Graham Bricknell Memorial Music Shell.

The walk was followed by a reconciliation ceremony, where Kevin Rudd’s ‘Sorry Day’ speech was played in recognition of the 10th anniversary and Peter Jetta, who was part of the Stolen Generation, gave an inspiring speech about acknowledging the past but moving forward as one to “make our future a better future”.

Yaka Dandjoo Events Committee chairwoman Karen Jetta said she was “absolutely pleased” with the turn out.

“I think it was for a reason because if it was wonderful weather we would have been separated a bit more, but it brought us all together,” Mrs Jetta said.

“We had great representation from all walks of the community – it was just amazing.”

She said the main message to take away from the event was to remember the past but move forward as a united community. “We are already doing all these things together but it’s only in small pockets,” she said.

“It’s about unity, coming together and reconciling – being proud of one another and of what we are doing and achieving here and celebrate these achievements together.”

WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Council southern region business development manager Angelique Fransen said engaging in conversations and participating in cultural tourism activities were positive ways to learn more about aboriginal culture and foster reconciliation.