The Armidale community is being invited to come together for this year’s Annual Armidale Bridge Walk, co-hosted by ANTaR Armidale and the Armidale Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place.
The free community event will begin at 12pm on Sunday 31 May at the picnic area near the Visitor Information Centre, on the corner of Dumaresq and Marsh streets.
Held each year during or around National Reconciliation Week, the Bridge Walk brings Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people together in a shared commitment to reconciliation, respect and community connection.
The annual event commemorates the 2000 Walk for Reconciliation across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, when 300,000 people crossed the bridge beneath the word “Sorry” written in the sky, a landmark moment that inspired reconciliation events across Australia.
This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, ALL IN for Reconciliation, encourages Australians to make reconciliation part of everyday life and highlights the importance of community participation and shared understanding.
“Each year Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people walk together across Stephen’s Bridge, do a circuit of the park and then gather to listen to short speeches and enjoy Aboriginal entertainment. It is a great opportunity to meet and chat with friends, old and new, enjoy the entertainment and have lunch together,” ANTaR convenor Diana Eades said.
A feature of this year’s event will be a performance by the Lyāmbay Aboriginal Dance Group from Armidale Secondary College, whose achievements at local events and the NSW Schools Spectacular were recognised earlier this year by Mayor Sam Coupland.
Organisers say the Bridge Walk has become an important annual gathering for the region, offering people of all ages an opportunity to connect, reflect and celebrate together in a welcoming atmosphere.
“Everyone is welcome to attend. Sausages, curry and fruit will be provided free of charge.”
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