HUNDREDS attended Sunday’s annual Reconciliation Walk run by the Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association at Hastings.
The walk and celebrations that followed at the Pound Road gathering place followed this year’s theme: Be a Voice for Generations.
The welcome to country was conducted by Bunurong Land Council’s Mark Brown followed by speeches from Willum Warrain president Jeanette Kaindel, Hastings MP Paul Mercurio, Mornington Peninsula Shire’s deputy mayor Cr Debra Mar and Willum Warrain CEO Peter Aldenhoven.
“After the formalities were over we were entertained by Djalu dancers featuring Ganga Giri and our good friends from Mullum Mullum who come every year, the deadly Yeng Gali Choir,” Aldenhoven said.
Also attending were Eastern Victorian MP Tom McIntosh, Bass MP Jordan Crugnale and councillors Lisa Dixon, Despi O’Connor, Sarah Race and Kate Roper.
“It is so reassuring for our Aboriginal community to have this many dignitaries attend our event and commit to supporting Voice,” Aldenhoven said. “Thanks to everyone who attended today — we all aspire to a more inclusive and reconciled Australia.”
First published in the Western Port News – 7th June 2023
