The annual Belgrave Survival Day is held on Australia Day 26 January. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples mark this day as Survival
Day.
In the town of Belgrave in the Dandenong Ranges
of Victoria, Australia, the event, now in its 11th year, promotes Indigenous culture
and celebrates the survival of the oldest living culture in the world.
It is a wonderful family day and greatly supported by volunteers and the
community.
I always make sure I do not miss this celebration. Here is a selection of my photos taken at Belgrave Survival Day 2018.
Cultural information, products and food stalls line Borthwick Park.
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson performed Welcome to Country again this year. He spoke of the responsibility that comes with being welcomed to country and reminded all of the importance of caring for the land.
Aurelio Denasha, Ojibwe Native American, was a speaker and performer of song and dance on the day.
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
As in previous years the Djirri Djirri Dance Group led by Mandy Nicholson performed traditional songs and dances with Damien Nicholson on didgeridoo.
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
This time the youngest members joined in with the singing.
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
Mandy Nicholson and little Jirra.
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
Fire for the smoking ceremony was made in the traditional way.
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
Gawurra Gaykamangu, Yolngu artist from North East Arnhem Land was the major performer this year.
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
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| © Barbara Oehring 2018 |
For my photos of last year's Belgrave Survival Day please go to:
Belgrave Survival Day 2017 - The Photos
awesome work and photos Barbara
ReplyDeleteThank you Georgina.
DeleteGreat photographs Barbara!
ReplyDeleteThank you Stephen. I appreciate your comment.
Delete