Barbara Oehring Photography: Wurundjeri

Showing posts with label Wurundjeri. 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

Monday, April 13, 2015

The 3rd Annual Walk to Coranderrk

I joined the 3rd Annual Walk to Coranderrk on Saturday 28 March 2015. It started at Coronation Park in Healesville and finished at Coranderrk Station, 19 Barak Lane, Healesville.

The walk commemorates the trek made by Wurundjeri elders William Barak, Simon Wonga and others during early 1863 as they searched for a permanent home for their people. The group of 40 travelled across The Great Divide, from the Acheron to the Watts River, selecting land at the junction of the Yarra River and Coranderrk Creek, now Badger Creek close to the eventual location of Healesville. The walk acknowledges and honours the quest of indigenous people to find a place of their own.

For descendants of original inhabitants, walking home to Coranderrk symbolises their people's journey as they searched for a home. Now, the walk also represents the journey into the future as Coranderrk is to be restored as a living place of belonging where everyone will be welcome: indigenous and non-indigenous. This re-enactment of part of the 1863 walk invites us all to reflect on history and to show our commitment to the strengthening of unity between all Victorians.

The rejuvenation of Coranderrk is taking place and everyone is welcomed to share the celebration of strength and survival as we walk and work together.

At Coronation Park Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson performs Welcome to Country.

Djirri Djirri Dance Group present traditional dances.

Giving directions before the Walk to Coranderrk.

The walk has started.

The turn into Barak Lane.

Arrival at Coranderrk Station.

Friday, January 30, 2015

Belgrave Survival Day 2015

The eighth annual Belgrave Survival Day on 26 January 2015 was, as in previous years, a happy and relaxed event.

The festival celebrates Indigenous culture and survival of Australia's first people through 226 years of white settlement.

Wurundjeri elder Bill Nicholson welcomed us to Country, and reminded us of the responsibility we all have to look after the land.