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Annual Report of Sutherland Shire Reconciliation Inc
2025
Southern Shores Reconciliation
2025 was a year of change — not just in name, but in how we understand our role in the community and the responsibility that comes with it. It has been a year of growth, clarity and direction for Southern Shores Reconciliation.
Our transition from Sutherland Shire Reconciliation to Southern Shores Reconciliation reflects more than a name change. It signals a shift in how we are seen — increasingly as an organisation the community looks to for guidance, understanding and connection around reconciliation and First Nations representation.
New Leadership
We began in January with the Sunset Ceremony at Burnum Burnum, a beautiful gathering that moved gently into sunset, bringing people together in a way that felt calm, grounded and connected to place.
Sonja Sherer stepped into the role of Chair with Evan Thornon as Deputy Chair, supported by a strong Committee.
Reconciliation Week
Reconciliation Week in May, was a particularly important period for us. The Sorry Day Dawn Vigil created a powerful space for quiet reflection and remembrance. The screening of Servant or Slave at Hazelhurst offered a different kind of engagement — one that continued beyond the film itself. The discussions afterwards revealed a strong and growing desire within the community to better understand the lived experiences of First Nations people and the ongoing impact of our shared history. It reinforced the importance of continuing to create spaces for learning and honest conversation.
Metropolitan Memorial Gardens and NAIDOC Week
We continued this momentum in June through participation in the Metropolitan Memorial Park Reconciliation event, and a dedicated area there now reserved for First Nations people will, over time, evolve into a space of reflection, memory and connection through planting and cultural interpretation, and a separate space for burials.
and into the Council’s NAIDOC Week Celebration in July at Gunnamatta Park, where we provided activities for children. The level of engagement was remarkable. The children in particular were drawn in by the dancing, cultural performances, and opportunities to participate. It was more than a day out — it was an experience that sparked curiosity, connection and joy.
Cronulla Sharks Indigenous Round
In August, our partnership with the Cronulla Sharks Indigenous Round brought the community together in a vibrant and meaningful way. Volunteers engaged with the crowd, and the Sharks made participation easy through digital donations. We raised close to $3,000, which has supported our ability to continue delivering events and programs. I acknowledge Evan and Damien for their work in supporting this initiative and strengthening that partnership.
Strategic Planning
A major event for the Committee was our Strategy Planning Day in November. Through this and subsequent discussions one direction became clear - storytelling needs to sit at the centre of our work. Not as an add-on, but as a way of connecting people to Country, to history, and to each other. In 2026 we will work to support our Committee, members and friends in using this approach to extend our reach in the wider community.
Thank You
We have received continued support from the Cronulla Sharks Have a Heart Foundation; Tradies who provides a space where we can meet; and the Sutherland Shire Council through promotion and partnerships that has helped us maintain a healthy financial position for SSR — allowing us to reinvest directly into the community.
Our long term partnership with ANSTO has also been particularly significant. Their funding in 2025 of the production of 5,000 more copies of the Dharawal Picture Dictionary led by Jan and Aunty Dolly, will soon see resources available for sale at an affordable price.
Our 2025 committee — Jan, Evan, Shalah, Linda, Damien, Melinda, Toni, Mark and Aunty Dolly — have had ongoing commitment, care and contribution and to all our members who support us through their membership.
Reconciliation is not something we describe — it is something we build together, through story, through place, and through the relationships we continue to grow. Thank you to our members, volunteers, partners and community for being part of that journey.
