The Surf Coast Shire community and visitors can join Wadawurrung Traditional Owners during a truth-telling story event this Sunday.
Pilk Purriyn (sunrise) truth-telling will be held at Warri Dja (Sea Country) at Torquay’s Cosy Corner for its third year from 5.30am on January 26.
Wadawurrung Man Greg Robinson said the event was a chance for the Surf Coast community to “deeply listen” to Wadawurrung people to speak their truth and share their stories.
“We need to come together not just as First Nations communities, but as allies in solidarity to walk together towards a future where we can be proud of our history,” he said.
“My grandfather Uncle Mel Robinson, a Wadawurrung Ngarrweet (Senior Male Elder), has spent 95 years of his life fighting for the protection and recognition of our country and people.
“On the morning of Pilk Purriyn, people will get to sit and listen to him tell his story, and he’ll tell his story through his lived history along with his art and writing, which he’ll also be reciting.
“It’s not a protest; it’s more of an opportunity for people of the region to come and join us in solidarity and sit and deeply listen to what it is that we have to say and hear from us and hear our truth.”
Uncle Melville Robinson said people of all ages, genders, races, religions and backgrounds were welcome to attend a morning of compassionate reflection.
“Deeply listen to our Truth-Telling and understand the lasting impacts colonisation has had on Wadawurrung and all First Nations people,” he said.
“Wadawurrung Culture and Connection to Country extends back into the past, so far back that it is almost incomprehensible. We ask you to koling wada ngitj (walk forward together) with us.”
By Jena Carr
