By Parker McKenzie
Belgrave Survival Day will be held on Sunday 12 March in 2023, more than two weeks after the usual date of January 26.
The annual event, which was first held in 2008, celebrates the survival of Indigenous people, culture and heritage and has previously been held on Australia Day.
In a Facebook post, the Belgrave Survival Day Committee said the decision was not easy, but the significance of the date needs to be acknowledged.
“This date offers greater opportunity for local community involvement, in particular Mob. We are reconnecting and reigniting this Festival,” it said.
“The solid commitment of our partners, Burrinja Cultural Centre through its Director, Gareth Hart, we have an active application covering four years of funding from Yarra Ranges Council.”
The event was started by locals in the hills and was first held on January 26, 2008 at the Cameo Cinema.
Belgrave Survival Day said the decision reflects the overwhelming response received from the local Indigenous community and partners who want the choice to acknowledge January 26th in their own way.
“We understand that Belgrave Survival Day is an important event for many people in our community and this change may bring some disappointment. This decision reflects the overwhelming response we received from the local Indigenous community that we partner with as key stakeholders,” it said.
“We are thankful for the staff at Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place, who share their cultural knowledge and spirit in supporting each event. It is important for our deadly partners to have opportunities to engage in other events like supporting the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, Canberra, and as a Committee, we honour and respect their choices. We thank the Indigenous Elders for performing the Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country.”
The Committee thanked all past and present committee members, volunteers, performers, artists, vendors and the community “for what we have created and for all your support. This is the next vital step in the Belgrave Survival Day evolution.”
“Please help to keep Belgrave Survival Day running. We need you! Please step up as a Volunteer or join the Survival Day committee. Have your say. Help us work together with the Kulin Nation to keep this Festival strong,” the statement said.
“Please know that members of the Survival Day Committee will be gathering at Borthwick Park on January 26 from 12pm. Bring a picnic, and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded this.”
