

Acknowledging grief and celebrating resilience
ON the eve of what many know as Australia Day, the Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group invites you to stand as an ally with First Nations people as the community gathers to acknowledge the profound grief and loss experienced since colonisation.
Honouring the Day of Mourning will be held January 25 at the William Cooper statue in Shepparton’s Queens Gardens. The event will serve as a platform for allies to apologise for the actions of their ancestors and commit to meaningful reconciliation, while honouring the work of leaders such as William Cooper, Jack Patten, and many others in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
On January 26, 1938, William Cooper organised a Day of Mourning to bring national attention to the injustices faced by Aboriginal people during and after colonisation. This day marked a significant moment in Australia’s history, laying the groundwork for the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights.


The Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group’s event seeks to honour Cooper’s legacy by creating a space for reflection, understanding, and solidarity. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the historical and contemporary impacts of colonisation and join a collective effort to advocate for justice and reconciliation.
The event will take place on Saturday, January 25, beginning at 5.45 pm for a 6pm start. All community members and allies are invited to participate in this moment of remembrance and commitment to a better future.
The Queens Gardens are located on Welsford Street, and organisers recommend attendees bring their own chair.