Truth-telling sunrise to mark January 26

AS DAWN breaks on January 26, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners will once again welcome the community to Warri Dja (Sea Country) for Pilk Purriyn, a sunrise truth-telling gathering at Cosy Corner in Torquay.

Now in its fourth year, the event will begin at 5.30am and bring people together for deep listening, reflection and cultural connection at first light.

Pilk Purriyn means “sunrise” in Wadawurrung language, with the gathering held at dawn to reflect a growing movement toward understanding, recognition and healing between First Nations people and the wider community.

The event is led by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) and will include a Welcome to Country, Smoking and dance ceremonies, as well as singing.

 

Wadawurrung woman and WTOAC Wurru (language) officer, Talia Hart, said language would be a powerful focus of this year’s gathering.

“This year for our Pilk Purriyn gathering, I am honoured to be sharing ceremonial and contemporary songs in my Ancestors language, my language,” she said.

“We as Wadawurrung people are intrinsically intertwined to our surroundings and each other through language.

“Wadawurrung language is the language of this place, the language that belongs here. Country and language are inseparable from one another; they are in reflection of and for one another.”

People of all ages and backgrounds are invited to attend this year’s truth-telling event and gather in quiet, compassionate reflection.

 

The free event is supported by the Surf Coast Shire and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said Pilk Purriyn continued to resonate strongly across the region.

“We can all play a part in recognising truths and past wrongs and seeking understanding and healing.

“We thank Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and other First Nations people for sharing Pilk Purriyn with our wider community and the many visitors to our region each year.

“It is such an affecting, beautiful, hopeful event.

“We have much to learn, but their strength helps us to walk alongside them on long and meaningful journeys towards reconciliation.”

For more information, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/PilkPurriyn