TODAY marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week which celebrates the culture and history of the First Australians. This year's theme, 'See the person, not the stereotype', encourages people to think about how they can turn around the disadvantages faced by many Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.
Williamstown resident Brad Homewood is a founding member of Get Up Out West, a reconciliation group in Hobsons Bay.
"Ian Carpenter [a friend] and I formed the group after Kevin Rudd made his apology [to indigenous Australians] last year, and we've been holding regular meetings ever since," Mr Homewood said.
He said education was the key in teaching young people about the history of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders. "We must try to take time to understand what has happened, what is happening and what needs to happen and we must keep the momentum going on the back of Kevin Rudd's apology."
A forum to coincide with Reconciliation Week will be held from 6pm next Monday at the Williamstown Town Hall supper room, Ferguson Street. Entry is free.
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