Geelong set for a weekend of reflection and action

FIRST Nations people and non-Indigenous allies will gather at Geelong Arts Centre this weekend to acknowledge the pain of invasion and then celebrate the resilience of the oldest living culture in the world, with a free event filled with music and art.

Gerrupatjarra, meaning “to join together” in Wadawurrung language, will take place on Saturday, January 25, at the arts centre’s The Open House theatre.

The event will begin promptly at 3.30pm with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, and will conclude at about 6.30pm.

To honour the tradition of sharing culture and song on Wadawurrung Country, Gerrupatjarra will feature an incredible line-up of First Nations musical talent, along with stalls filled with the work of local First Nations creatives.

Naarm-based singer-songwriter Isabelle Skye will kick off the live music entertainment at 4pm with her band Doe Eyes, before local four-piece rock band The Louds hit the stage just before 5pm with their foot tapping tunes inspired by Aussie rock icons such as Midnight Oil and Goanna.

The Louds features First Nations artist Mick Ryan, whose soundscape work is featured throughout Geelong Art Centre’s Level 1 glass link foyer.

Closer to 6pm, Noongar woman and rising star Amy Dowd – who performs under the moniker Bumpy – will captivate attendees with her deeply affecting music that pulls from the strength found in both tenderness and scars.

Considered one of the country’s most vibrant soul singers, the award-winning artist released her debut EP Morning Star in January 2023 and has enthralled audiences nationwide with performances at Meredith Music Festival, Strawberry Fields and the Sydney Opera House.

 

 

Gerrupatjarra will be open to the general public, but the organisers wish to emphasise that the event is focused on showing support and solidarity for First Nations people and providing a space where First Nations people and allies can walk together for communal healing.

For more information, head to geelongartscentre.org.au

The newly formed Be Tru 2 Uluru community group will then host a rally on Sunday, January 26 in Little Malop Street between 12pm and 1.30pm.

Beginning outside the mall, the event will feature several speakers before attendees are invited to join together in a march around Geelong’s CBD. Signs and placards are encouraged.

Comprised of both First Nations Peoples and non-Indigenous allies, Be Tru 2 Uluru describes itself as a group committed to the Uluru Statement of the Heart and the journey of Makarrata, a multi-layered Yolngu word understood to mean a coming together after a struggle or a reconciliation process.

In an Instagram post earlier this week, the group said Sunday’s event was aimed at bringing the community together to reflect, heal, listen and to “cry truth and justice.”

“Our rally aims to raise awareness and advocate for change, addressing the pressing issues of injustice that disproportionately impact on our First Nations People,” the post states.

“We want to see real solutions and a dedication to Treaty from change makers.”

For more information, contact Be Tru 2 Uluru via its Instagram page @betru2uluru or email [email protected]