By JESSE GRAHAM
HUNDREDS of people marched down to Belgrave yesterday to mark the eighth annual Belgrave Survival Day.
Held on 26 January, Survival Day acknowledges the survival of Indigenous heritage and culture, 200 years after the European arrival in Australia.
People of all backgrounds and from towns in the Dandenong Ranges and beyond came down to the event, with a group of about 50 people marching from Belgrave Station down to Borthwick Park, where the event was held.
The march was led by Robert Wandin and Justine Indigo-Rose, who carried large versions of the Indigenous totems, Bunjil the Eagle and Waa the Crow to the event, flanked by others carrying banners and signs.
Shortly after the event began at noon, Wurundjeri
Uncle Bill Nicholson conducted a Welcome to Country ceremony, before Indigenous dance group Alinta performed to the crowd.
Organiser Bonnie Zuidland said she was happy with the turnout, noting the large Indigenous attendance at the event.
The theme of this year’s Survival Day was Caring for Country, and Uncle Bill said that everyone should have a part in taking care of the world around them.
“The old people knew for thousands of years that if the land was sick, so was the people, so we have to care for it and make it healthy,” he said.
“If we can build this country back up … to clean up the rivers, to help regenerate a lot of the indigenous plants, to get rid of them pests, the land will come back healthy and strong.
“We’d like everyone to have a part – even the smallest part will help.”
The Mullum Mullum Indigenous Choir, Miss Hood and Casey Donovan also performed at Survival Day, while groups such as the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum held historical displays and stalls.
For more photos, and the full story, see mail.starcommunity.com.au.
