And this year’s National Reconciliation Week has even more significance as it’s been 50 years since the 1967 referendum and 25 years since the Mabo ruling.

The week starts with Sorry Day on May 26 and runs between two key dates in Australia’s reconciliation journey; the May 27 referendum in 1967 and the historic Mabo land court decision on June 3, 1992.

A number of local businesses and schools will host events celebrating Aboriginal culture and Wiradjuri man Peter Beath said reconciliation remained a significant part of Cootamundra’s history. 

“Reconciliation is pretty special in the Cootamundra area,” Mr Beath said.

“Cootamundra played a prominent role in the Sorry Books campaign back in 1998, so it’s a pretty important week around here.”

The Sorry Books were a collection of manuscripts displaying written apologies from community members in response to the atrocities of the Stolen Generation.

Over the course of the four-month campaign, it is estimated that half a million people signed Sorry Books in 1998.

Mr Beath and Kobi Russell, a young Yuin man and Cootamundra local, spoke at smoking ceremony outside Woolworths on Monday about the importance of fostering community understanding and taking steps towards a unified future.

“I’d say Reconciliation Week is all about creating more harmony in the community,” Mr Beath said.

“I love being able to share cultural, share language and shed light on different aspects of Aboriginal culture.”

Mr Russell said while Aboriginal cultures varied across the country, they shared fundamental beliefs and customs.

 “Every different area has its different cultures but we have fundamental similarities – the same dances, the same songs, the same beliefs,” he said.

“It’s all about reconnecting, sharing, giving and talking to people.”