Barbara Oehring Photography: Mandy Nicholson

Showing posts with label Mandy Nicholson. Show all posts

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Belgrave Survival Day 2018

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.

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.

As in previous years the Djirri Djirri Dance Group led by Mandy Nicholson performed traditional songs and dances with Damien Nicholson on didgeridoo.

This time the youngest members joined in with the singing.

Mandy Nicholson and little Jirra.

Fire for the smoking ceremony was made in the traditional way.

Gawurra Gaykamangu, Yolngu artist from North East Arnhem Land was the major performer this year.

For my photos of last year's Belgrave Survival Day please go to: Belgrave Survival Day 2017 - The Photos

Friday, February 3, 2017

Belgrave Survival Day 2017 - The Photos

The 10th Anniversary of Belgrave Survival Day was celebrated by a wonderful crowd of people on 26 January 2017. The many volunteers did a marvellous job both preparing for the festival and making sure the event ran smoothly.

I am following up my previous post 'Belgrave Survival Day 2017' with a selection of photos I took on the day.

Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson gave a powerful speech.

The crowd at Borthwick Park.

Getting the fire ready for a smoking ceremony.

Entering the healing smoke.

Borthwick Park playground.

Gnarnayarrahe Waitairi (Uncle Joey), a regular performer at Belgrave Survival Day.

Aurelio Denasha and Uncle Bill.

There were information stalls and displays about Indigenous culture.

MC Tim Kanoa.

The performances by the Mullum Mullum Choir and Hip Hop crew were much appreciated.

Mandy Nicholson again led her Djirri Djirri Dance Group.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Wurundjeri Stories Interpretive Signage Trail Unveiling Event

I was invited to attend the unveiling of Wurundjeri Stories, an interpretive signage trail, at Pound Bend Reserve in Warrandyte State Park, Victoria.

On Thursday 14 August 2014 Wurundjeri Elders Uncle Colin Hunter jr, Aunty Alice Kolasa and Aunty Kitty Coombes together with Wurundjeri artist Mandy Nicholson took turns in unveiling the signs and reading the stories.

Each sign shares topics that relate to the Wurundjeri history, culture, traditional life and people associated with this sacred site.

Womin-jeka Wurundjeri Biik
Welcome to Wurundjeri Country

Womin-jeka (Welcome) to Pound Bend, a central living and gathering place for the Wurundjeri people from time immemorial. The Wurundjeri people welcome you to the sacred site and in turn ask that you respect and care for this country.

'Wurundjeri Stories' is a yerrin barring (bush path) comprising six interpretive signs located along the river path, moving upstream. This trail has been developed in partnership with Wurundjeri Elders to reflect their history, culture and traditional life at Pound Bend. Each sign includes a section entitled 'Bunjil's Challenge' offering activities for children.

The sign at the start of the trail:
'Womin-jeka Wurundjeri Biik Welcome to Wurundjeri Country' depicts Figures in Possum Skin Cloaks by William Barak, 1898 Courtesy of the National Gallery of Victoria.

Frank O'Neill plays the didgeridoo.

Uncle Colin Hunter jr.

Information guides 'Wurundjeri Stories at Pound Bend' were available for visitors to take home.

Some of the gathering.

Aunty Kitty and Aunty Alice unveil the first sign of the trail.

Walking along the trail.

Mandy Nicholson observes a pair of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos above.

Mandy speaks about Wurundjeri Bush Tucker, Medicine and Tools.
Artwork: Traditional Tools and Bush Tucker by Mandy Nicholson, 2014.

Aunty Kitty Coombes and Aunty Alice Kolasa at the end of the Wurundjeri Stories Interpretive Signage Trail Unveiling event.

The project was a collaboration by Manningham City, Wurundjeri Tribe Council, Parks Victoria, Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and Manningham Reconciliation.