We’re halfway through National Reconciliation Week, seven days of reflection, learning and celebration of the world’s oldest continuous living culture.

The week runs from 27 May – 3 June each year, dates that mark significant milestones in the country’s reconciliation journey, such as the 1967 referendum and the historic Mabo decision.

This year’s theme – Now More Than Ever – is a timely reminder that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples must continue.

We started the week by flying Council flags at half-mast to mark National Sorry Day on Sunday, acknowledging the suffering and grief of the stolen generations. And towards the end of the week, we will hold Koojay Corroboree, a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ culture, art and tradition. I hope that you’ll join us for this free event at Coogee Beach, this Friday at 11am.

At last night’s Council meeting, Councillors unanimously supported my Mayoral Minute congratulating the La Perouse Aboriginal community on their successful campaign for the return of several Gweagal spears.

These significant artefacts were taken by James Cook at Botany Bay in 1770. Now they have been returned to Country after a decades-long effort by local Aboriginal people.

It was a very productive meeting. Council adopted a new framework for our service review program which will result in improved customer service. We also received an update on the second stage of the review of Council’s Development Control Plan.

There are lots of exciting Council activities going on across our city this weekend. I’m particularly excited to attend the first of our trial monthly markets at Broadarrow Reserve, Maroubra on Sunday 2 June between 8am and 2pm. I hope to see you there!

Finally, don’t miss the special screening of 'The Breaking of the Drought', a silent film by former Randwick local Franklyn Barrett, on Thursday 30 May from 7:30pm at the Ritz Cinema.