A family-friendly sunrise celebration will help unite people in Ocean Grove to support First Nations voices.
Barwon Coast and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) will host the event at the Barwon Heads end of Bukareeyoo at 7.30am on Monday July 7 during NAIDOC Week (July 6 to 13).
Wadawurrung Woman and WTOAC interim co-chief executive Rebekah Devlin said NAIDOC Week was in its 50th year, which reflected the achievements and resilience of those who came before.
“We invite everyone to come along, connect with Culture, and celebrate what it means to be on Wadawurrung Country,” she said
“This year’s (NAIDOC Week) theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, reminds us that we walk in the footsteps of our Elders as we support our young people as our future leaders.
“We’re proud to stand with Barwon Coast to invite community onto Wadawurrung Dja (Country) at sunrise to take a moment to listen, learn and koling wada ngal (walk together).”
Barwon Coast Committee of Management chair Sandra Gatehouse said the sunrise celebration provided a “powerful opportunity” for the community to come together, learn and reflect.
“Events like this are not just symbolic, they reflect a strong and ongoing relationship built on trust, respect, and shared commitment,” she said.
“I warmly invite the community to join us for this special sunrise gathering and stand with us in recognising the strength, vision and legacy of First Nations Peoples – past, present and future.”
