IS it Australia Day or Invasion Day, attendees at today’s ceremony in Castlemaine were invited to ponder.
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To guest speaker Aunty Kerri Douglas – an Aboriginal woman and Dja Dja Wurrung and Bangerang Traditional Owner – January 26 is Survival Day.
Because despite all that Australia’s traditional owners had endured, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures lived on.
“Throughout our Australian history past governments have made policies that have impacted us as a culture… yet here we are,” she said.
“Governments have tried to cleanse us of our blackness, breed us out, and stop us from practicing out beliefs, hunting and gathering. Yet here we still are.”
She was confused as to why one day could cause so much angst, bullying, lateral violence, political gain and point scoring.
“No matter what date is chosen, there will be opposition,” Aunty Kerri said.
“Until the day comes when we can all accept white and black history of this country and that real Australians are welcoming, regardless of background, religion, colour or sexual preference, then we will never be a united Australia.”
The day’s meaning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was at the forefront of the Mount Alexander Shire’s community event at Victory Park, from start to end.
Local elder Uncle Rick Nelson and Nalderun, the Upper Loddon Indigenous Group, worked with the shire council to plan the event, which included an acknowledgement of Survival Day.
Indigenous Australian flags marked a spot within the park dedicated to discussion with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders about topics of interest to community members – opportunities people in the audience eagerly took up.
The event was a chance for people to learn more about the achievements of fellow residents, especially those who had made exceptional contributions to the community.
They included Citizen of the Year, Maryanne Murdoch; Young Citizen of the Year, Grace Saltmarsh; Senior Citizen of the Year, Ken McDougall; and Community Event of the Year, the Castlemaine Billy Cart Challenge.
Ian Higgins, the Castlemaine and Surrounds Repair Cafe and SteamPacket at the Historic Maldon Railway Station received special mentions.
“It is extraordinary to hear the stories of these inspiring individuals and how they give to our community in many different ways,” Mount Alexander mayor Bronwen Machin said.
Four people became Australian citizens during the ceremony.