Parade College held its Road to Reconciliation Day. Students took part in the Merindah-Gunya Painting Workshop, where they created artworks that told a story. The group then reflected on 50 years of NAIDOC Week posters, discussing the similarities and differences between the artworks and the stories they tell. Below some students recount their experiences.
On Monday 20 July, on behalf of Parade College, I was able to be a part of this interschools Reconciliation Day. There were students from St Bernard's College and Mernda College, together for a day of learning, reflection, and collaboration. The event celebrated First Nations histories, cultures, and perspectives while encouraging us as young people to actively support reconciliation in Australia. A highlight of the day was an inspiring workshop led by Bayley Mifsud (Merindah-Gunya), a proud Peek Whurrong Woman of the Maar Nation, who shared her cultural stories through art and guided students in creating their own meaningful artworks. Inspired by this years, NAIDOC Week theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’ which celebrates the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we sparked thoughtful discussions and new perspectives as we explored the NAIDOC posters from the past five decades. It was a memorable and enriching experience that left everyone inspired to continue supporting reconciliation within our school and wider community.
Road to Reconciliation Day gave me the chance to slow down, listen deeply, and learn in a way I had not expected. I walked in thinking it would just be another school or community event, but I left feeling changed. I learnt so much about the history, resilience, and ongoing journey of First Nations peoples, and it opened my eyes to perspectives I had not fully understood before.
One of the most meaningful parts of the day was connecting with new people. I made some new friends who were just as eager to learn and reflect, and those conversations helped me understand things on a more personal level. Sharing stories, asking questions, and hearing others’ experiences made the day feel alive and real. It reminded me that reconciliation is not something we do alone — it is something we build together.
Moving forward, I want to carry what I learnt into my everyday life. That means being more aware, more respectful, and more willing to speak up when it matters. It means continuing to learn, not just on special days, but all the time. And it means strengthening the friendships and connections I made, because reconciliation grows through relationships, understanding, and action.
I am grateful for what I learnt, the people I met, and the responsibility I now feel to contribute to reconciliation in a real and ongoing way.
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