ON the eve of Australia Day, the Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group will again invite the community to stand in solidarity with First Nations people at a Day of Mourning gathering in central Shepparton.
The event will be held on Sunday, January 25, at the William Cooper statue on the corner of Nixon and Welsford Streets, beginning at 5.45pm for a 6pm start.
Now in its second year, the gathering follows a strong inaugural event in 2025, which drew a crowd of around 70 people, delighting organisers and highlighting strong community support for reflection and reconciliation.
The Day of Mourning acknowledges the profound grief and loss experienced by Aboriginal people since colonisation, while also recognising resilience, survival and leadership. It honours the legacy of Yorta Yorta man William Cooper, who helped organise the original Day of Mourning in 1938 to draw national attention to injustice faced by Aboriginal people.
The Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group says the event provides a space for allies and community members to reflect, listen and recommit to meaningful reconciliation.
All are welcome to attend. Organisers recommend bringing a chair.
