Reflecting on the impacts of colonisation and how we work together towards healing was the focus of Yarra City Council’s powerful truth-telling event held today at the Djerring Centre in Abbotsford.
The event allowed community members to listen to the stories of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, reflect on the impacts of colonisation, and discuss how council can take steps towards justice and healing.
This event served as an alternative to traditional January 26 commemorations and complemented other events across the state, including the Invasion Day Rally, Share the Spirit Festival, and various dawn services. We extend our gratitude to Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Elder Uncle Perry Wandin for welcoming us to the Country and smoking ceremony and the Djirri Djirri, Wurundjeri women's dance group.
Koorie Youth Council’s Community Engagement Officer Jye Charles took part in a thought-provoking discussion about the importance of truth-telling facilitated by Bonnie Dukakis, Chief Executive Officer at the Koorie Youth Council.
"Truth-telling is an essential part of recognising the full extent to which colonialism has affected, and continues to affect, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Mr Charles says.
Stacie Piper, speaker and dancer with Djirri Djirri, says it’s important to acknowledge the reality that Aboriginal people live with today in Australia:
Our experience is constantly being denied and debated. This isn’t something we think about once or twice a year – this is our daily experience from the time we are born. That’s why truth-telling is so important to us, and critical to healing.
Mayor Stephen Jolly said Yarra City Council is committed to Treaty and urges all Australians to approach Aboriginal people, their culture, and experiences with an open mind and heart:
It’s a free country, and no one is stopping anyone from celebrating Australia Day – we respect that choice. We were the first council in Australia to change how we commemorate the national holiday, acknowledging that January 26 is a day of mourning and standing in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We will continue to stand together.
It is time to reflect on the steps needed to promote justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. No matter the rhetoric, Yarra City Council is not backing down. We’re committed to creating space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and building a more empathetic and inclusive community.