Belgrave Survival Day

Arelio performs.

 Belgrave Survival Day again provided an alternative way to mark 26 January.

For the 12th year, the event celebrated the survival of indigenous culture on Australia Day.

Borthwick Park and the surrounding streets overflowed with people and cars.

Families picnicked by the main stage, watching indigenous performances and informative presentations, including a smoking ceremony.

A small group of hills residents held the first Belgrave Survival Day on 26 January 2008.

The event moved in 2011 to Borthwick Park and attracts up to 3000 attendees.

The event’s mission is to increase understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Organisers said the event was a living and breathing example of how the first peoples of this nation could be honoured and respected within a wider context of mutual respect and inclusivity.