Pre-Symposium Activities
Cultural tour
Gimuy Esplanade Tour
The Minjil ‘Gimuy’ Cairns Esplanade tour begins with a Smoking Ceremony Welcome on the beach of the Cairns Bay, overlooking the sparkling waters. As you breathe in the fragrant smoke, you’ll feel a sense of calm and connection to the land. During the tour, you’ll learn about the Yidinydji story of the rising of the ocean, which dates back to the last ice age. You’ll hear stories of the Yidinydji country and the connection of other clans, families and tribes of the area. You will also have the opportunity to try your hand at spear and boomerang throwing and taste some delicious native teas and jams.
As the tour draws to a close, you’ll take part in a gift-giving ceremony where you will receive a special memento of your time on the tour. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the culture and history of the region and gain a deeper understanding of the Yidinydji people.
Join us for an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after the tour is over.
What to bring: runners or walking shoes, a sunhat, sunscreen and a water bottle.
Cost: $128.00
Date: Thursday 15 May 2025
Depart: 4.30 pm
Return: 6.30 pm
Duration: Two hours
Max number: 50
Facilitated Conversation
Bridging Reconciliation through Dialogue
ECA is excited to be joined in person by Professor Chelsea Watego, author of Another Day in the Colony at this year’s Reconciliation Symposium.
Chelsea will join Catharine Hydon for ‘Bridging Reconciliation through Dialogue’ – a unique professional and personal learning opportunity designed to complement the 2025 ECA Reconciliation Symposium. Drawing on Reconciliation Australia’s 2025 National Reconciliation Week theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next’, this facilitated conversation will invite participants to join colleagues in reflective dialogue that moves beyond our current understanding to the next steps in our personal and professional commitment to reconciliation.
Using two powerful provocations — Chelsea’s book, Another Day in the Colony, and TEDx Talk, ‘Black Joy is for Black People’—participants will join this book club to explore and expand their understanding and contribute to meaningful conversation that shapes our shared journey towards reconciliation.
These resources will be provided to participants in advance and will serve as a foundation for open, thoughtful discussion. Rather than a structured workshop, this is an opportunity to engage in deep dialogue, challenge perspectives and explore reconciliation in a supportive environment.
Light refreshments provided.
Cost: $185.00
Date: Thursday 15 May 2025
Time: 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm (AEST)
Venue: Pullman Cairns International Hotel
Max number: 20
Explore on your own—special offer for our delegates
Enrich your Symposium experience by connecting with Country and culture firsthand while in Cairns with Reef Unlimited tours. Through The Conference Tour Hub, ECA Reconciliation Symposium delegates can access 15% off selected tours departing from Cairns or Port Douglas. Hear Dreamtime stories shared from cultural guides on the Great Barrier Reef, explore Mossman Gorge and participate in a Welcome to Country and Smoking ceremony or join the Indigenous Experience in Kuranda.
Browse the full range of tours and activities via the link below!
Booking Link: The Conference Tour Hub
Unique Conference Code: CONFERENCE15