Ballarat’s Fifth Annual Survival Day Dawn Ceremony and Community Reflection and Healing Day
On January 26th, Ballarat will be hosting its fifth annual Survival Day Dawn Ceremony, accompanied by a Community Reflection and Healing Day program of activities. This event, organized by the Koorie Engagement Action Group (KEAG), has become one of the most meaningful events in the city’s calendar.
The ceremony will take place at View Point, Lake Wendouree, starting at 5.30am. KEAG invites everyone to join in solidarity for truth-telling, healing, and learning. The event aims to recognize and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultures, Country, and histories.
Co-chair of KEAG and City of Ballarat Councillor Belinda Coates warmly invites the community to be part of this meaningful, healing, and respectful journey. She emphasizes the importance of coming together to honor and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Survival Day Dawn Ceremony
The Survival Day Dawn Ceremony will feature a ceremonial circle, local community dancers, and a Wadawurrung Smoking Ceremony. Special guests for this year’s ceremony include Uncle Andrew Jackomos PSM, Uncle Alan Harris, Mel Peters, and MC Belinda Duarte. The ceremony will run until 6.40am.
Community Reflection and Healing Day
Following the Dawn Ceremony, KEAG will host a Community Reflection and Healing Day from 9am to 2pm at View Point, Lake Wendouree. This extended program offers a range of activities for participants to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures:
- A Wadawurrung poetry workshop
- Ochre education sessions and cultural activities
- Yidaki/Didgeridoo lessons for men and boys
- A Welcome Weaving Hub and Craft Stations led by Aboriginal artists
- An author talk with Black & Write Festival director Jane Harrison
- Local Musicians including deborahN and Trudy Fatnowna Edgeley
- A Wadawurrung cleansing ceremony at 1.30pm to start the year together with a focus on reconciliation and celebrating deep histories and cultures
City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor, Cr Peter Eddy, emphasizes that these events are inclusive and aim to recognize the continuity and survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. He acknowledges the significance of January 26th as a difficult day for many people and highlights the importance of creating safer spaces for First Nations people.
Uncle Alan Harris, a respected local figure and Noongar Elder, shares his perspective on Survival Day, calling for unity and a commitment to diversity in Australia. Sarah Jane Hall, KEAG Co-Chair and proud Narungga woman, explains that the event aims to create a space for reflection, healing, and unity among all Australians.
Website Author’s Quote
“The Survival Day Dawn Ceremony and Community Reflection and Healing Day are important events that honor the resilience and strength of Indigenous Australians. We invite everyone to join us in this meaningful journey of truth-telling, healing, and learning.”
Website Author’s Conclusion
The Survival Day Dawn Ceremony and Community Reflection and Healing Day in Ballarat provide an opportunity for people to come together, learn, and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. These events promote unity, healing, and respect, creating a space for reflection and understanding. Join us on January 26th to be part of this inclusive and meaningful experience.
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
