Indigenous conference on ‘Old Way’ culture coming to Byron Bay

BYRON Bay will host the Awakening Conference this month, an Indigenous gathering focused on Old Way Original Culture, the spirituality, ceremonies and practices of Australia’s First Peoples before colonisation, and its relevance in modern society.

The event, now in its third year, will take place at the Byron Community Centre from September 19 to 21.

It is being organised by independent researchers Steven and Evan Strong, who live in the hills behind Lennox Head and have examined archaeological sites across Australia, including the standing stones near Mullumbimby, often described as ‘Australia’s Stonehenge.’

Around 50 people are expected to attend. The conference is funded by Wayne Pina-Roozemond of the non-profit organisation Heal Yourself Foundation.

Steven Strong said the conference would explore how this culture offers an alternative to today’s competitive and hostile global climate.

“Old Way Original Culture is all about the lifestyle, spirituality, ceremonies and practices that existed before colonisation,” he said.

“We are not suggesting that we all wander off into the bush, far from it. But what we are presenting relates to how our present society and global climate is hostile, competitive, blighted by constant warfare, fearful based around competition for money and status.

“What we are suggesting is that if looking for an alternative, this culture is agreed to be the longest and oldest continuing culture and has paradigms, role models and alternative tribal values that deserve comparisons and consideration.”

The Strongs chose Byron Bay for this year’s conference because of their close ties with local Elders.

Another feature will be Nissen Lowry, a man given a prophecy he was told not to share until he turned 54, which is his current age.

The program also includes rock workshops and sessions on numerology and astrology.

Strong said prophecies and ceremonies would be an important part of the discussions.

“We begin discussing the prophecies and pay attention to a ceremony held at Uluru in 2020 by Elders from that local area, which they believe mark the beginning of the change,” he said.

“Then we do Original men’s business with Jarmbi and Darren McElroy, Binnah (who is non-Original) speaks about how he became so involved and accepted into Original business, then we have women’s business and conclude with a round table discussion.

“In the spirit of Wirritjin, black-fella whitefella Dreaming, this is a conference that is open for everyone, as my Elder said many times, ‘Spirit knows no colour’.”