Thousands attend inaugural truth-telling event

A REFLECTIVE Surf Coast crowd of as many as 2,000 gathered by the ocean in Torquay on January 26 for the inaugural Pilk Purriyn truth-telling event presented by members of the region’s First Nations People.

The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners led a sunrise ceremony at Cosy Corner which opened with a traditional Welcome to Country followed by a minute’s silence to acknowledge all First Nations People who had passed.

An all-female dance was later accompanied by a song about Bundjil the wedge-tailed eagle sung by Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles, and a male dancer representing Bundjil; the creator of Wadawurrung Country.

Ms Eccles spoke of the reasons why she and her people do not celebrate January 26, saying it represents invasion, colonisation and the near-decimation of Aboriginal people.

“Seeing up to 2,000 people offer their respect and support this morning shows us that people want to see change and are here to listen,” she said.

Ms Eccles recalled how it was originally thought all Wadawurrung people had either died or been killed during colonisation, until it was later discovered that one bloodline remained.

“As a Wadawurrung woman it was very brave to hold this event knowing this is something not all people support but if we are going to move forward we need a voice today that our ancestors and Elders were denied,” Ms Eccles said.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens spoke of the state government’s progress being made on Treaty with First Nations People, and urged people to vote yes in the coming national referendum on a Voice to Parliament.

“We all have a responsibility to learn, to educate ourselves, about the truth of our history, and we need to speak up about that,” she said.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattison said conversations with Wadawurrung Tradional Owners, First Nations People and community feedback, led to the council resolving in no longer taking part in Australia Day celebrations.
“We all have part to play in recognising past wrongs and seeking truth, understanding and healing. We can all make a difference, even in the smallest of ways, and you’re doing that by being here today,” she said.

Flags flew at half-mast for the second year in a row at the shire’s council building on January 26.