Belgrave Survival Day organisers, from left, Davey Heller, performer Steve McCulloch, Shire of Yarra Ranges councillor Samantha Dunn, performer Jed Rowe with daughter Etienne in baby pouch and organiser Natalie Walker.A GROUP of Belgrave residents have joined together to make a new Australia Day event – Survival Day, which celebrates indigenous culture.
Survival Day on Saturday 26 January, has been organised in an attempt to raise the profile of the area’s indigenous history and culture.
Belgrave resident Davey Heller said the day was an opportunity for hills people to celebrate the survival of indigenous culture both locally and nationally.
He said the day would also acknowledge the traditional owners of the area – the Wurundjeri people.
Mr Heller said the group decided to put together the event because of a need to give indigenous culture in the area a higher profile.
“There isn’t a lot of acknowledgment of our indigenous heritage and culture and we hope to make this an annual event,” he said.
Survival Day will kick-start at noon at the Cameo Outdoor Cinema in Belgrave for a family picnic and will continue until 4pm with plenty of entertainment for people to enjoy.
A welcome ceremony will be conducted by Wurundjeri elder Aunty Dot Peters who will also be running weaving workshops and telling dreamtime stories.
Local musicians such as Stephen McCullock, Circus Kaos, Jed Rowe, and Michael Arvo will entertain visitors.
A group of indigenous dancers will also keep hills people entertained.
Survival Day organiser Nat Walker said the history of indigenous culture had been repressed and devalued for too long.
“This event is being organised in the spirit of reconciliation so that the community as a whole can come together to acknowledge the importance and ongoing vitality of the indigenous culture in our area,” she said.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges, Belgrave Traders Association and the Cameo Cinema are supporting the event.
