Emma Pritchard
The persistent wet weather failed to dampen spirits at the Grafton Midday Rotary’s inclusive community event at Market Square on January 26.
Entitled ‘We’re all part of the story’, the event united Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples from across the region who proudly came together to share their stories and culture.
Stepping up to the microphone, guest of honour Poppy Harry Walker of Tabulam, performed a traditional welcome to country and spoke with pride and passion as he warmly encouraged the crowd to have fun together, and to share, listen, and learn from one another.
Attendees enjoyed participating in a variety of activities throughout the afternoon including face painting, arts and crafts, boomerang painting and story-telling with proud Bundjalung, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr elders.
Live entertainment was provided by renowned performers including Dion Drummond, Maanyung & Manduway and the Ryan Martin Trio.
There was also the opportunity to sample some delicious bush tucker prepared and cooked by popular local duo and proud Bundjalung men Uncle Joe Walker and Avery Brown, lovingly known as The Hungry Blacks.
As the beautiful aroma of marinated kangaroo, lemon myrtle butter and finger lime marmalade filled the air, Mr Brown and Uncle Joe said they were proud to share their food and their culture with the community, adding they were pleased to see so many people mingling and talking together.
“We’ve all come here with different views and ideas about what this day (January 26) represents,” Mr Brown said.
“We’re here recognising todays theme, which is everybody is part of the story.
“I’m hoping that we’ll all walk away having learned something, and the non-Aboriginal people will have a better understanding of us as Aboriginal people, our culture, how we feel, and perhaps we can work towards acceptance and acknowledgement of us as the true custodians of our land and waters.
“For me, it’s about seeing everybody come together, talking, and learning about each other.
“History is what it is, and we can’t change that, but we can work towards the future together.”
As the Hungry Blacks happily shared their traditional bush tucker with visitors, Leila Robbins from the Central Coast said while she had never eaten kangaroo before, she was planning to buy some meat as soon as she returned home to Gosford.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to cook it as well as The Hungry Blacks though,” she said.
“I’m really glad I came today because I’ve experienced a proud and traditional culture, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot more about our First Nations peoples.
“That makes me very proud.”