Main Beach Park in Cavanbah – Byron Bay, was the place where both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people gathered yesterday to celebrate the longest-living culture in the world – people who are now living on unceded land.
Hundreds gathered to listen and sign petitions, many queueing in the hot January sun to make sure they put their name on paper and be counted as standing in solidarity with Aboriginal people with the understanding that is Always Was and Always Will be Aboriginal Land.
The message of the day the same one that was echoed across the country – January 26 is a day of mourning for Aboriginal People and not a day to celebrate the 1788 landing of the First Fleet and the ensuing decimation and colonisation of First Nation People.
Deadly poem from the past
Arakwal woman Delta Kay opened the event with a Welcome to Country and her niece Nickolla Clark read aloud a deadly poem written by her grandmother Aunty Dulcie Nicholls, who sadly passed away in 2021.
Bundjalung women Ella Noah Bancroft and Mia Thom also spoke passionately about the challenges for Indigenous People including youth, both historically and right now.
Delta Kay said it was a great celebration with music by Jarrod Hickling and Backyard Band. ‘There is huge momentum to change the date, and people asking how they can support blackfullas.’
The event was hosted by the Arakwal Bundjalung People of Byron Bay, the Sisters for Reconciliation and the Cavanbah Reconciliation Group and was sponsored by Byron Shire Council.
Photos Jeff Dawson
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