HUNDREDS of people gathered at the Queen’s Gardens for two Day of Mourning events on Saturday and Sunday, 25 and 26. The events provided an opportunity for First Nations peoples and allies to come together and stand in solidarity.
The ‘Day of Mourning’ held on Sunday, January 26, was to peacefully protest GSCC’s decisions to change the date of Australia Day and assert their sovereign rights to mourn the impacts of what they described as a colonial invasion.
There were speeches from Yorta Yorta leaders and Elders and community members including Paul Briggs OAM, Ngarra Murray, Belinda Briggs, former councillor Greg James, and former deputy mayor Cr Sam Spinks that highlighted the struggles stemming from this date that have plagued First Nations peoples for generations.
There were performances by Wulumburra Dancers and Yorta Yorta artists Jason Tamiru, BricKy B, Scott Darlow and his daughter Kiah and Briggs.
The ‘Honouring the Day of Mourning’ event held on Saturday evening 25 beside the William Cooper statue was led by the Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group, for those wanting to stand as allies with First Nations people. Aunty Rochelle Patten shared the words her Great Uncle Jack Patten spoke at the original Day of Mourning in 1938 at Parliament House Canberra and Phillip Cooper spoke about the incredible leadership and strength of Sir William Cooper.
