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Wadawurrung people share culture with locals

November 28, 2019 BY

From left: Philip Newson, Bill Ferguson, Magdalena and Frank Wheatland, and Jordan Edwards.

SOME of the Wadawurrung people recently held a gathering at Point Addis to share their heritage with people from the Indigenous community, the Torquay Lions and some other interested locals.

Elder Naomi Surtees with her granddaughter Sarah Murray welcomed visitors to her country and then invited them to partake in a traditional Smoking Ceremony.

Wadawurrung man Jordan Edwards, who was awarded Mr NAIDOC in 2016, then spoke about community culture. He had a variety of artefacts such as boomerangs, shields and spears that he talked to attendees about before leading a walk on the country.

The Lions provided a free hot lunch for everyone involved.

Torquay Lions vice president Bill Ferguson said it was a fantastic experience.

“The Wadawurrung people were extremely welcoming and shared wonderful insights into their local culture and just how much country means to them.

“It was a pleasure for us to support the event.”

The Point Addis walking path has a series of signs on which people can learn more about the area’ s Indigenous heritage.

The event was organised by Victoria Police’s Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer for Barwon South West, Jordyn Flagg.