The town will be the scene of a National Reconciliation Week celebration acknowledging the historical connection between Purnim and the nearby Framlingham Aboriginal Reserve.

The Moyne Shire-supported event will feature a smoking ceremony and live music.

There will also be a barbecue with bush tucker on offer.

The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum to include indigenous people on the national census, the 25th anniversary of the Mabo decision and 20 years since the Bringing Them Home Report. 

Sunday is also a “memorabilia day”, with the Purnim Working Group hoping residents and former locals can gather at the hall to share photos, news clippings, and stories of the town’s history. 

The information will be gathered for use in a booklet and DVD, which is aimed to be launched at a special event next year that aims to celebrate “150-ish” years of Purnim.

The DVD will be made by members of the the Moyne Shire youth council team.

It’s hoped the town will finally be gazetted in time for that event next year.

People with a link to Purnim are encouraged to attend the event, which has a key theme of ‘looking back and looking forward’.

Sunday’s activities take place at the Purnim Mechanics Institute Hall, from noon until 3pm.