National Reconciliation Week at Taronga Zoo

31 May 2023

The Department of Planning and Environment and Taronga Zoo today joined forces to host an immersive National Reconciliation Week event at the zoo.

Taronga Zoo played host to an interactive event which featured a live panel discussion along with a range of cultural activities.

Department of Planning and Environment Director of Aboriginal and Cultural Affairs, Amanda McCarthy, said the event attracted more than 250 internal and external stakeholders and was an interactive day while providing an extra burst of activity for visitors to the zoo.

“National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia,” Ms McCarthy said.

“A lot of careful planning and thought went into this event which featured a live panel discussion and a range of cultural activities, including dance performances, a Smoking Ceremony, weaving workshops, a tour of the zoo’s new Nura Diya Australia habitat which is home to a variety of native wildlife, and more.

“It was a proud day for our team, featuring plenty of colour and movement while building the Cultural Capability of our people and bringing even more life to the many activities at the zoo.”

Taronga Conservation Society Australia CEO Cameron Kerr AO said that National Reconciliation Week is a time when all Australians should use their power, their words, and actions to create a better more just Australia for all.

“At Taronga, we are committed to conservation and securing a future for both wildlife and people. We are committed to learning more from the knowledge and insights of First Nations peoples, who were the first scientists and conservationists of this Country,” Mr Kerr said.

“Taronga’s two sites, located on beautiful Cammeraigal and Wiradjuri Country have the power to bring together millions of people every year. We encourage our guests, staff, and partners to share ideas, to listen, to reflect and to feel empowered to create a more just, equitable and reconciled Country for both people and the planet, and it is great to see this come to light with like-minded partners throughout National Reconciliation Week.”

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is held from 27 May to 3 June each year and is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The theme for NRW 2023 is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’ to encourage all Australians to speak for reconciliation in their everyday lives, including where they live, work and socialise, to create a better and more just Australia for everyone.