Reconciliation Week Benefits from Corporate EngagementThursday, May 26, 2022 - 1:40 PM - by Mark Readings

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries has labelled this year’s Reconciliation Week Street Banner Project as the most successful in the concept’s history. 

The national event takes place from tomorrow May 27 until Friday June 3 and promotes reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to create an inclusive community for all Australians. 

Troy Kirkham, Executive Manager Junior, Youth and Community Football at the West Australian Football Commission, has declared great work is being done in this critical area. 

“Being involved for several years now, the WAFC is proud to be a sponsor and key part of the DLGSC Reconciliation Week Street Banner Week Project. 

The WAFC recently launched our new Reconciliation Action Plan, and our commitment to the journey of reconciliation has never been stronger.  

Our engagement in events like the Reconciliation Week Street Banner Project and the Walk for Reconciliation is part of an ongoing commitment to community events and programs that support reconciliation.  

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have had a strong connection to Football in Western Australia since the game began, and their contribution to the sport has been outstanding, both on and off the field.  

The WAFC wants to see the connection, the relationship, respect, and opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the sport continue to grow and develop, and a critical component of this is our Reconciliation Journey,” Kirkham said.  

With 151 sponsors, 424 banners and 37 sites across regional and metropolitan Western Australia, the DLGSC initiative works to engage Aboriginal owned and/or operated businesses, including: 

• Banner artwork by Nyangumarta artist, Narlene Waddaman through Spinifex Hill Studio and the Revealed New and Emerging Aboriginal Art Exhibition and Market 

• Graphic design by Aboriginal-run Nani Creative 

• Printing managed by Aboriginal-run, carbon-neutral Yonga Solutions in partnership with Discus 

The painting on the 2022 Reconciliation Week Street Banners depicts the mother country of Narlene Waddaman, which holds a place of significance for her both culturally and in her childhood memories. 

Narlene is a Nyangumarta woman who lives and works in Kariyarra Country in South Hedland.