Cambridge proudly supports ‘Walk for Reconciliation’ 2025 at Galup
Published on 09 October 2025
The Town of Cambridge is honoured to support the 2025 Walk for Reconciliation, organised by Reconciliation WA, which will take place on 30 October at the culturally significant Galup Reserve.
This powerful event usually marks the conclusion of National Reconciliation Week 2025; however, it was rescheduled due to poor weather in June.
The Walk for Reconciliation is a time for reflection, truth-telling, and solidarity. It honours the storytelling passed down to Doolann-Leisha Eatts (Garlett) by her grandmother Yurleen Bennell (Garlett) and acknowledges all Carriers of the Galup massacre story. Curated by the Elders and the team behind the Galup Arts Project produced by Same Drum, this year’s walk will take place at Galup, a site of profound cultural and historical significance for the Whadjuk Noongar people.
The event will commence with a Welcome to Country, followed by key speakers. Afterwards, participants will walk together in truth and healing, sharing place-based storytelling that reflects the heritage of Galup.
Mayor Gary Mack conveyed his pride in Cambridge hosting this year’s Walk for Reconciliation.
“We are pleased to host Reconciliation WA’s 2025 Walk for Reconciliation at our beautiful Galup Reserve. As part of truth-telling about the site’s history, we acknowledge that Galup is the site of a colonial massacre of Noongar people and holds significant history,” he said.
“In August 2024, our Council took an important step in our reconciliation journey by endorsing the restoration of Lake Monger to its traditional Whadjuk Noongar name, Galup, meaning ‘where the home fires burn’. We see the restoration as a tangible commitment to recognising and respecting the traditional owners of the land and acknowledging the history of this place, which means so much to all of us.
“Our community showed strong support for the name change, and I hope to see many members of our wonderful Cambridge community taking part in the Walk and stepping forward together on our path towards reconciliation,” Mayor Mack concluded.
In April 2025, Council unanimously voted to adopt and implement the Town’s first draft Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Since 2006, RAPs have enabled organisations to take meaningful and strategic action to advance reconciliation sustainably.
The Walk for Reconciliation will feature three waves to accommodate participants:
- Wave #1 at 11:30am: Children aged up to 12 and their guardians or teachers.
- Wave #2 at 1pm: For participants aged 13 and over, featuring a 1km walk.
- Wave #3 at 2:30pm: For participants aged 13 and over, with options for a 1km or 3.5km walk.
Registrations are essential. Wave 1 participants will have the chance to create a chalk path mural, while Wave 2 and 3 participants will have the opportunity to engage in a Smoking Ceremony and share stories of truth and healing.
The Town invites everyone to join this communal journey of reflection, learning, and reconciliation.
For more information and registration details, visit: https://www.recwa.org.au/event/walk-for-reconciliation-galup-lake-monger-2/
Media contact:
Matt Lau
Senior Media & Communications Officer – Town of Cambridge
media@cambridge.wa.gov.au
(08) 9347 6059