In recognition of National Reconciliation Week, GeelongPort has again become DjilangPort, a name it will carry through to Sunday 12 July, marking the end of the 50th annual NAIDOC Week.
Djilang is the traditional Wadawurrung name for Geelong and, for the past three years, GeelongPort has renamed to DjilangPort for the duration of NAIDOC Week. This year, the port has chosen to extend the renaming for an entire month, spanning both National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, in celebration of this year’s milestone theme, “50 Years of Deadly”.
This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, “All In”, is a clear call for shared commitment, recognising that real progress happens when everyone plays a part. In a similar spirit, the NAIDOC Week theme honours the people who have shaped the movement, acknowledging the strength and resilience that has brought it to this point while looking ahead to the future.
DjilangPort is proud to walk alongside the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) on its reconciliation journey, working to deepen its understanding of the Country on which it operates and to learn from the knowledge and leadership of Traditional Owners.
Since 2021, DjilangPort has worked closely with WTOAC, with the partnership formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2024.
DjilangPort CEO Brett Winter said the extended renaming reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation.
“Renaming to DjilangPort for the month between National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week is a small but important way we honour and acknowledge our Traditional Owners and the beautiful Wadawurrung Country on which we operate,” Winter said.
“DjilangPort is proud to be on a meaningful reconciliation journey and we are committed to turning our intentions into action, through our partnerships, our Reconciliation Action Plan and everyday decisions.”
Each year, DjilangPort marks National Reconciliation Week through a program of learning and reflection, encouraging employees to consider how they can contribute to reconciliation in practical ways.
WTOAC Co-CEO Sarah Eccles said seeing Djilang recognised in this way is a meaningful acknowledgement of Wadawurrung Country and the community’s continued connection to place.
“It’s important that our language returns to Country. We are on a journey of reaffirming and strengthening our ancestral language, bringing it back to where it belongs in the places where we live, work and connect to.”
“Djilang has always been Wadawurrung Country, and sharing language is an important step in reconciliation, in creating respect, supporting truth telling in healing and walking together,” Eccles said.
As part of this year’s program, DjilangPort hosted a fireside chat with Vice President of the Collingwood Football Club and proud Djab Wurrung and Gunditjmara woman, Jodie Sizer, sparking an honest and impactful conversation on racism, leadership and belonging.
Drawing on her leadership in driving anti-racism reform in elite sport, including co-chairing the club’s Anti-Racism Expert Committee and overseeing the commissioning of the Do Better Report, Jodie’s insight left a strong and lasting impression on attendees, prompting meaningful reflection on their own role in driving change.
