Moree residents are encouraged to engage in some challenging conversations and acknowledge the truth of Australia's history this week, to work towards creating a more unified future.
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That was the key message at the official opening for Moree's Reconciliation Week on Monday morning, when a large crowd of community members and school children gathered at the Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre.
"At the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," Moree Reconciliation Week co-chair Glen Crump said in speaking about this year's theme, 'Grounded in truth. Walk together with courage'.
"To foster positive race relations, our relationship must be grounded in a foundation of truth.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long called for a comprehensive process of truth-telling about Australia's colonial history. Our nation's past is reflected in the present, and will continue to play out in the future, unless we heal historical wounds."
Mr Crump said coming to terms with Australia's history is a crucial step towards creating a unified future, in which people understand, value and respect each other.
"Whether you're engaging in challenging conversations or unlearning and relearning what you know, this journey requires all of us to walk together with courage," he said.
"This National Reconciliation Week, we invite Australians from all backgrounds to contribute to our national movement towards a unified future."
Aboriginal elder Marion Nelio did the Welcome to Country and reinforced the importance of truth-telling.
"With empathy, solidarity and love, we are community and we can grow, if only we acknowledge our history; learn from it and grow courageously," she said.
Moree Plains Shire councillor Mike Montgomery spoke on behalf of mayor Katrina Humphries and said Moree - one of the only communities to have celebrations for the whole Reconciliation Week - is in a position to pave the way forward.
"I think in Moree we can start making some acknowledgements and statements at a local level," he said.
"The conversation about truth in history is something we should have. I think our community can be part of that change."
Meanwhile, Moree Plains Shire Council's director of corporate services Mitchell Johnson spoke about council's updated Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and encouraged people to put their hands up to be a part of the RAP working group.
READ MORE: Chance to work on Reconciliation Action Plan
National Reconciliation Week, which runs from May 27 to June 3, commemorates two significant milestones in Australia's reconciliation journey - the 1967 referendum and the historic Mabo decision, respectively.
Mr Crump said it's a time for all Australian's to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The Moree Reconciliation Week committee have a full week of activities planned.
On Tuesday, there will be a reconciliation morning tea at Moree Public School from 10.30am, followed by the new Walk for Reconciliation event at 10am, the Reconciliation Cook-off from 11am and Reconciliation Week Mission Beat from 5pm.
The Reconciliation Bowls will be on from 12pm on Wednesday, followed by the Reconciliation Honour Roll and Yarn Up from 10am on Thursday.
On Friday there will be a reconciliation breakfast and school assembly at Moree East Public School, followed by the week's highlight, the Reconciliation Week Gala Awards Night at Moree Town Hall from 6pm.
No-Fi Takes Moree live music event will be on Saturday evening, and finally, the Reconciliation Church Service will conclude the week on Sunday.
