Around 2,500 people gathered on Wadawurrung Country at Cosy Corner Torquay today, 26 January, as the sun rose at Warri Dja – Sea Country.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners shared testimonies and reflections seeking to deepen understanding of the stories of the past, and knowledge of Wadawurrung People and Country.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation hosted the event for a third time with the support of Surf Coast Shire Council and Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, providing opportunity for members of all communities to gather and deeply listen at this free event.
Proceedings included a traditional Welcome to Country, Smoking, Song and Dance ceremonies, conducted by Wadawurrung People.
Members of one of seven Wadawurrung Traditional Owner families, including Ngarrweet – Wadawurrung Senior Male Elder – Uncle Mel, aged 95, spoke in person and via a pre-recording played on a big screen.
Their testimonies added another chapter to a story started at the inaugural Pilk Purriyn event in 2023, and continued in 2024.
The event also included performances by Yirrmal, phenomenal First Nations vocalist and storyteller, and songs sung in Wadawurrung Language by Wadawurrung Women.
Pilk Purriyn supports the entire First Nations community by acknowledging the deep sadness, harm and loss experienced through colonisation.
It also recognises the proud ssurvival and resilience of First Nations people, the preservation of a culture which has endured for tens of thousands of years, and the ongoing impacts of 26 January on First Nations people.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Greg Robinson: "Pilk Purriyn is important because gathering together to reflect as the sun rises honours our Ancestors and the full history of Wadawurrung People and Country. 26 January is not a date we celebrate."
"We say nyatne (thank you) to all who joined us this morning, for sitting and deeply listening to what we have to say, hearing our truth and for 'koling wada ngal' (walking together with us) into a reconciled future where there is a unification of our histories and our people and Culture are celebrated."
Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Mike Bodsworth: "Respectful deep listening is fundamental as we seek to grow our understanding of the deep sadness, loss and dislocation experienced by First Nations people since colonisation of the traditional lands they nurtured for millennia.
"Once again we thank Wadawurrung Traditional Owners for their strength and grace in having provided our community with that opportunity through the sharing of truths at Pilk Purriyn.
"Their continuing story helps us acknowledge past wrongs and strengthens our resolve for reconciliation and healing."
Great Ocean Road Coast & Parks Authority CEO, Jodie Sizer: "Today we recognise the proud survival and resilience of First Nations people and the preservation of culture.
"It's moving to see thousands of people gather in a show of respect and recognition for Traditional Owners.
"This event is growing every year and showing that we can create a better future for everyone."
