Port Macquarie residents have united for indigenous recognition and reconciliation during the annual Reconciliation Walk.
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Dozens of people completed the walk from Westport Park to Town Green and back on May 27 as part of National Reconciliation Week.
The walk, hosted by Port Macquarie Indigenous Marathon Foundation RAW, celebrates the journey for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements on the path to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Two significant milestones include the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
Birpai woman Kelly O'Brien, who spoke at the walk, said it was heartwarming to see the community unite behind the cause.
"We're happy with the turnout. It's warming to my heart that the community has come together and support reconciliation," she said.
"To me it shows the community is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
"There is pride that the diversity of the Port Macquarie community has changed in the last four or five years.
"Residents know more about Birpai culture and heritage than ever before."
Ms O'Brien also spoke about the significance of the Uluru Statement created at a National Constitutional Convention in 2017.
"Reconciliation for me is about Australia being together as a nation where all cultures are respected and we're one," she said.
"(After the Federal election) it's a time to watch and see.
"The statement is about indigenous people having a voice in matters that concern us.
"Whether we get that voice remains to be seen, but needs to be through engagement."
As part of 2019 National Reconciliation Week there will be a free film screening of Utopia at 6pm at the Glasshouse on Friday, May 31.
The documentary film by John Pilcher displays interactions with Aboriginal Australians in present-day Australia.
Ian Robertson, who took part in the walk, said it is the right time for change in Australia.
"I believe it's well past time - there should be recognition for First Peoples," he said.
"There's still racism in modern Australia, although it is not overt."
As part of National Reconciliation Week, Australians are encouraged to embrace the main theme of being 'Grounded in Truth, Walk Together with Courage'.
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