Our Members gathered on Gunaikurnai Country for a Cultural Grounding Day ahead of this week’s full Assembly meeting.
The day began at Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation before gathering at Wangun Amphitheatre. Thank you to Uncle Wayne Thorpe for the Smoking Ceremony and the Welcome to Gunaikurnai Country.
Members were treated to dances by Gudu Gunai Dancers at the Totem Poles and Ceremony Ground, including Alfie Hudson, Trey Parsons, Philip Solomon and Jordan. The Members enjoyed fresh oysters harvested by Tyron Hayes and Tyler Hood.
Members embarked on a boat tour, visiting oyster paddies, before arriving at Sperm Whale Head. Shay Terrick spoke to the group about the site’s significance, the Gunaikurnai Fire crew and the important programs they run for young mob.
Finally, the Members travelled to Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust where the Yurpa Committee’s Conveners led a yarn reflecting on culture and events of the day.
A beautiful start to an important week, coming together to progress community’s vision for our Treaty.
This week Gellung Warl gathered on beautiful Gunaikurnai Country for Assembly business.
During the meeting Members held a ceremony to recognise the cultural strength and significance of the Gitjawil Yurpa.
Ashes from past ceremonial fires were combined to signify carrying forward the foundations and wisdom of the past, as we step into the future together. Gitjawil Yurpa reminds us that governance is not only about structure or policy – it is about relationships, responsibility and respect.
It is a living record of our ways of doing business, cultural values, practice of Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority.
