Hundreds of students gather for Reconciliation Week Walk

Published on 02 June 2023

Over 1000 public school students and community gathered in Kempsey on Thursday for the Sea of Hands Reconciliation Walk hosted by Kempsey South Public School, to celebrate National Reconciliation Week 2023. 

Students from school across the shire were invited to create hands with a message supporting reconciliation and attend the event at Verge and Eden Street Fields.

The event started with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Graham Quinlin, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, the Thunggutti/Dunghutti nation.

A flag raising ceremony and the lighting of reconciliation candles then followed, with Kempsey South Public School Principal, Mr. Byrne, welcoming the students and School teacher Mrs. Willoughby delivering the reconciliation address.

A moving performance by the cultural dance group from Aldavilla Primary School then took place and afterwards students added their contributions to the Sea of Hands.

The students then did a united walk around the track before enjoying activities organised by local service providers.

The Sea of Hands event also welcomed Elders, who played an important role in the proceedings. A dedicated tent was also set up for them allowing them to share stories with the young people at the event.

Kempsey Shire Council proudly provided support towards the running of this important event in our community and was grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside the students to lay hands with messages from staff.