Community
22 May, 2021
Waves for reconcilliation
MOSSMAN and Port Douglas will come alive in colour over National Reconciliation Week as two Sea of Hands art installations make a bright and powerful statement of healing, acceptance and reconciliation.
Hundreds of hands in the colours of the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian Flags will feature in the Douglas Shire Sea of Hands project.
Each hand, and its individual message, will contribute to creating a colourful display of unity and solidarity.
The two events will be held at George Davis Park in Mossman on May 27, and Rex Smeal Park in Port Douglas on May 28.
Mossman State School and Port Douglas State School are leading the way for the Douglas Shire Sea of Hands with students turning hands into colourful messages of support.
“Build Togetherness,” “Join us,” “Be Proud – Take Action Together,” are just some of the messages from students who will make a collective and powerful contribution to the Sea of Hands, and the Reconciliation voice.
Port Douglas State School Principal Ken Schaumberg said the project was a wonderful way for students to be involved and consider the history and the ongoing understanding of our First Nations people.
“It is through embracing our history, we can acknowledge our shared past and build a bright future for all Australians that recognises and celebrates all our differences.”
Mossman State School Principal Randal Smith said the school community was thrilled to be involved in the Shire’s National Reconciliation Week activities. “Our students thoroughly enjoyed preparing messages of support for the Sea of Hands art installation. We’re also looking forward to the Walk for Reconciliation and our “Ngujakara” story morning on June 2nd, which has been organised by students in our Indigenous Leaders of The Future team.”
Douglas Shire Council’s Community Development Officer (First Peoples) and Indigenous Events Committee member, Margaret Ross-Kelly, said the “ANTaR’s – Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation – Sea of Hands is an iconic symbol of Reconciliation.
“It has been used as a powerful way for communities around Australia to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and events,” she said
“It’s a fun, engaging, and beautiful way to tell the story, break down barriers, and open hearts and minds to a new
way forward.”
Douglas Shire Reconciliation Week activities
Sea of Hands:
Mossman, May 27
The Sea of Hands in Mossman will take place after the Walk for Reconciliation. Participants are encouraged to collect their hands from the Walk for Reconciliation registration desk at the Douglas Shire Council building on Front Street.
You will then take the hand on the walk and plant it at George Davis Park, where hands will also be available.
Sea of Hands:
Port Douglas, May 28
The Sea of Hands in Port Douglas will take place during the Reconciliation Week Community Day at Rex Smeal Park from 10am – 2pm.
Hands will be available at the park.
Markers will be on hand at all collection points so participants can write their messages of support.
For those wishing to write their messages of reconciliation in advance, hands will be available in the foyer of Douglas Shire Council’s Administration Building, and at the Mossman and Port Douglas Libraries from next week.
