GENERATIONS of family will soon have a place to come to celebrate Wangaratta's current Citizen of the Year Ruth Kneebone and her ongoing contribution to the community.

As part of National Reconciliation Week, Ruth’s carved handprint will be revealed as the newest addition on the Marmungun Rock in Apex Park this Sunday.

Ruth received the 2024 Citizen of the Year in the Rural City of Wangaratta Australia Day Awards in January after being nominated for her extensive work in local community groups and organisations.

The Marmungun Rock Ceremony and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, through the Dirrawarra Indigenous Network recognises the Wangaratta Citizen of the Year who has demonstrated the qualities of an Indigenous Elder – community service, integrity and wisdom.

These carved handprints are an honour and enduring tribute to outstanding individuals in our community.

Marmungun means ‘of this group’ or ‘of this area’ – the closest traditional Bpangerang word for community.

The Marmungun Rock concept was conceived by respected Elder Wally Cooper, whose pride in his Aboriginal heritage and message of hope for the future inspired many.

His ability to connect with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people has helped to build respect, understanding and reconciliation.

This legacy left by Uncle Wally is now proudly continued by his children Anita and Jesse.

Since 2017, the Dirrawarra Indigenous Network has honoured the annual Wangaratta Citizen of the Year recipient in the Marmungun Rock Ceremony taking place in National Reconciliation Week each year.

The ceremony will take place this Sunday, May 26 starting at 11am with an acknowledgement of Country, traditional performances, unveiling of the handprint and conclude with a sausage sizzle.

This event is open to everyone in the community - RSVP via dirrawarranetwork@outlook.com.

For more information contact Dirrawarra Indigenous Network member Ben O'Dwyer on 0419 661 784.