Coming together on Country

INDIGENOUS and non-Indigenous people came together for events held across the Byron Shire on Monday.

Hundreds of people attended a Survival Day/Invasion Day gathering at Apex Park overlooking Main Beach in Byron Bay. The event was organised by Byron Shire councillor and proud Bundjalung woman Delta Kay, who also operates Explore Byron Bay Indigenous tours.

Well-known locals, including comedian Mandy Nolan, Bluesfest Byron Bay director Peter Noble and Byron Shire mayor Sarah Ndiaye, were among those spotted at the gathering.

Kay said the bush tucker tasting proved a huge hit, with stalls selling t-shirts in the colours of the Aboriginal flag quickly selling out.

“People were taking their shirts off and putting the flag colours on,” she said. “Seeing non-Aboriginal people walking around in those shirts brought a huge sense of pride. I was shaking my head thinking, ‘This is so beautiful’.

“It was also great for people who never otherwise have the opportunity to meet and have a conversation with Aboriginal person. That sharing of stories was another highlight.”

In Brunswick Heads, teenagers lined the historic timber bridge, adorned with two large Aboriginal flags, leaping into Simpson’s Creek throughout the afternoon as a DJ provided the soundtrack for the Connection Day gathering at nearby Torakina Park.

The unofficial event, organised by the Merrigingi Foundation, brought people of all backgrounds together to connect, reflect and celebrate a shared love of Country.

It began in the morning with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, followed by an Indigenous dance performance. The day also featured displays by Bundjalung artists, along with activities such as face painting and bubble play for children. A Peace, Love and Unity Mandala was created, while environmental group Save Wallum hosted an information stall.

Following the official closing ceremony at 5pm, local DJ collective Chameleon Collective continued to play music into the evening.

Organiser Coda Dhuwa said it was heartening to see so many Indigenous people out and about in Brunswick Heads enjoying the day.

“Before you were lucky to see First Nations people out on Australia Day at all,” he said. “It’s taken a few years but now the word’s out.”

Dhuwa said he received overwhelmingly positive feedback from strangers, with some people approaching him in tears to express their gratitude.

“One lady came up to me in the supermarket and said her 20-year-old daughter spent the night crying about how beautiful it was,” he said.