As part of National Reconciliation Week, the group met with City of Launceston Alderman Simon Wood to speak about how the Aboriginal culture could partner with the city’s development.

Alderman Wood described the inaugural meeting as a great initiative.

“It was a really great opportunity to meet with them and hear their perspective on what’s happening in Launceston and what they’d like to see,” he said. 

“They were absolutely delighted that the council had approved the dual naming of the waterfall at Punchbowl.”

Alderman Wood said the youth called for more skate parks and activities in the city, as well as resting spots and interactive panels at “significant cultural areas”.

“They were a delightful group of kids,” he said. 

Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre youth and language worker Rosetta Thomas said the meeting was a valuable one for the city’s youth.

“We had a brief chat about a number of things that the children wanted to see changed in Launceston,” she said.

“It went really well and the youth really enjoyed it.”

Alderman Wood said he also learnt about the significant Indigenous heritage in the region.

“There’s a lot of literature out there on when Europeans arrived, but it’s fascinating to see what was here prior to European settlement,” he said. 

He also praised the Aboriginal centre’s push to pass on knowledge about the culture. 

“​It’s brilliant they keep up this work and continue to educate their Aboriginal youth,” he said.

Aboriginal centre northern regional manager Lisa Coulson said it was vital to continue the interaction between the government and Indigenous people.

“Opening up the Aboriginal Centre and inviting the community to participate in those cultural activities and to learn about Aboriginal history helps break down the barriers,” she said.