The Victorian Government is acknowledging the efforts of local communities to advance reconciliation in Victoria.

Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane announced the Highly Commended recipient and the winner in the Local Government category at the annual Helping Achieve Reconciliation Together (HART) Awards.

The HART Awards recognise initiatives by local governments and community organisations that advance and promote reconciliation in Victoria. Recipients are chosen across three categories: Local Government, Community Organisation/Group and Schools and Early Years.

Glen Eira City Council received the Local Government award for hosting Koorie Day Out, a ceremony and culture day and Hepburn Shire Council received the Highly Commended Award for four short films that visit three significant sites in Dja Dja Wurrung Country.

Our Songlines, a 100 per cent aboriginal ownedcharity, won the Community category for their Our Survival Day event in Mornington Peninsula, showcasing First Nations musical performances, culturally safe spaces and cultural workshops.

Yuille Park Community College in Wendouree received the schools award for its education initiative Thankful & Proud, which champions shared culture and inclusivity in the classroom.

The HART awards are a partnership between Reconciliation Victoria and the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA). The Labor Government has funded the awards since their inception in 2014.

Now in their eighth year, the awards have grown to showcase the best Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities working together to build relationships, respect and understanding, as well commitment to Aboriginal self-determination.

Winners each received a handcrafted HART Award and winners of the Community Category and the Schools/Early Years Category also received $1000 each to support their future reconciliation work.

For more information on the awards visit reconciliationvic.org.au/act/hart-awards.

Quote attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane

“It’s important to celebrate the partnerships between local government, community groups and Aboriginal people to make progress towards reconciliation in Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams

“These awards highlight the importance of communities coming together to recognise Victorian initiatives that contribute to reconciliation.”