Walyalup Reconciliation Group

 The Walyalup Reconciliation Group is a local group working with the City of Melville to build links between local indigenous and non-indigenous people. The Walyalup Reconciliation Group works both socially and politically to create a climate for healing for indigenous and non-indigenous people. The group believes the healing process requires four things;

• Awareness raising;
• Acknowledgement;
• Acceptance of past injustices and
• Making amends.

Walyalup Reconciliation Group Vision Statement

 “To create a united Australia which respects this land of ours,values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island heritage, and provides justice and equity for all.”

 History

In December 1995 the City of Melville employed an Aboriginal Liaison Officer to raise awareness about reconciliation. The officer offered reconciliation study circles throughout the City and the outcome was the establishment of the City of Melville’s Reconciliation Group.

In February 1996 the Fremantle Reconciliation Group was formed from an Aboriginal study circle, and through the founder Joy Burns and subsequently Barbara Cullity and Morgan Morris, they initiated many successful reconciliation events in the City of Fremantle.

In February 1999 the Fremantle and Melville Reconciliation Groups merged to become the Walyalup Reconciliation Group in order to more appropriately represent the region of Fremantle, Cockburn and Melville. The title Walyalup was respectfully chosen to acknowledge pride in our Aboriginal heritage.

Gail Beck, the Aboriginal Liaison Officer for Melville City Council has been Walyalup’s convener since formation. Gail has been the motivating force behind a range of activities, with creative input and assistance from members.

 A team of Walyalup volunteers established and ran “Wongi Mia” office in central Fremantle for two years, funded solely by public donations and by support from Deckchair Theatre. The friendly “drop in” atmosphere of this office resulted in valuable networking on positive indigenous issues, and promoted indigenous art, music, literature, drama and community events.

From 2004 Margaret Matassa has been co-convener, assisted by an active group of volunteers.  Projects have included Oral History training for Aboriginal participants,

Hip-hop workshops for Aboriginal youth, Community meetings to promote reconciliation and a trip to Roelands to appreciate firsthand the mission’s significance for Aboriginal people. 

 Details correct up until March 2007.