Central Queensland University’s Reconciliation Group will hold a Journey of Healing Ceremony to celebrate National Sorry Day at the Kershaw Gardens (Hut near Fraser Street entrance) this Saturday, May 24, from 9am to 10.30am.

The Reconciliation Group is encouraging Rockhampton residents, particularly community leaders, to join with the Murri community in the ceremony to promote reconciliation and changing the future.

“We have new people come every year to our National Sorry Day event, along with our regular attendees. It is a very energizing experience for those involved in the ceremony and those who come to watch,” said Laurel Hunt, CQU’s Tertiary Entry Program Coordinator at Nulloo Yumbah and reconciliation group member.

Focusing on this year’s theme Healing the Past, Shaping the Future, the morning’s events will include a smoking ceremony, speakers and a light breakfast.

Darumbal elder Ethel Speedie will give the official welcome, while Desi Hamilton will conduct a smoking ceremony and Carol Willie will speak on the Journey of Healing.

During the ceremony sprigs of gumbi gumbi a healing plant, will be given to participants and the reconciliation prayer will be prayed. The group will then move into concentric circles and have an energizing, reconciling hum.

After the ceremony light refreshments will be served.

CQU’s Reconciliation Group consists of university staff including staff at Nulloo Yumbah – CQU’s Indigenous Learning, Spirituality and Research Centre – and other members of the Rockhampton community.