Proclamation Day ceremony celebrates old and new Australians as Indigenous community welcomes inclusion in proceedings

More than 200 people gathered at the Old Gum Tree (Patha Yukuna) to mark South Australia’s 187th birthday.

More than 200 people gathered to celebrate South Australia’s 187th birthday. Picture Dean Martin

This year’s Proclamation Day service to mark South Australia’s 187th birthday has continued to see a collaborative effort between the Holdfast Bay Council and Kaurna traditional owners for the third year in a row.

On Thursday, more than 200 people gathered at the Old Gum Tree (Patha Yukuna) to mark the establishment of government by Governor John Hindmarsh in 1834.

In her speech, Governor of South Australia Frances Adamson reflected on her year and engagement with First Nations communities and spoke about her drive for reconciliation.

“For the past two years here at Patha Yukuna (Crooked Gum Tree), I have expressed my support for fostering reconciliation in our state,” she said.

“I have reflected on the past, examined the present and looked to the future in light of the recent referendum results and the collective questioning of Australians, as to how we might move forward on the reconciliation path.”

In her speech, Governor of South Australia Frances Adamson reflected on her year and engagement with First Nations communities, spoking about her drive for reconciliation. Picture Dean Martin

Ms Adamson spoke about the history and progressiveness of SA compared to other states and territories in Australia.

“We were the first state in 1966 to legislate against racial discrimination,” she said

“I see many examples of what is possible when we commit to genuine engagement and inclusion and when we are prepared to talk about shared love for country.”

Proclamation Day has always been a controversial topic due to the mistreatment of Indigenous people in SA since 1836.

Kaurna woman, Quahli Newchurch addressed the crowd and spoke about the smoke signals used by her ancestors when Europeans arrived in 1836 as a warning.

She said it was a “conflicting” day for her but that she now saw the inclusion of her culture in the official proceedings as a “sign of progress”.

“It has been a bit conflicting and there have been moments,” she said.

“But I think the fact that the Holdfast Bay Council have been so supportive and such strong allies, I feel pride in stepping into this space and with the support of our elders to be able to share our story.

“It’s definitely more inclusive and we’ve had great feedback from community members.”

Kaurna woman, Quail Newchurch, said Proclamation Day was “conflicting” for her but that she now saw the inclusion of her culture in the official proceedings as a “sign of progress”. Picture Dean Martin

Despite Proclamation Day being December 28, the Proclamation Day public holiday falls on the first working day after Christmas Day – usually December 26; Boxing Day.

The holiday commemorates British Governor John Hindmarsh arriving at Holdfast Bay on December 28, 1836 — the day the vice-regal proclamation to establish South Australia as a British province was first read.

Glenelg (Pathawilyangga) was a significant place for cultural celebrations, ceremonies and trade and would be used as a camp by traditional owners, the Kaurna People, during the summer months.

When the cold south-westerly winds and the flooding of Warripari (Sturt River) that fed into the Pathawilyangga estuary made life difficult during the winter months, the Kaurna often moved further inland to the foothills.

This seasonal movement allowed important food sources to regenerate and was part of the careful management of their lands.

The arrival of colonists in South Australia in 1836 signalled a new chapter for the Kaurna people and Pathawilyangga became the official ‘meeting place’ of cultures.

Kaurna woman, Quail Newchurch, speaks with 12 year old Georgia Griffin, who was a recipient of the Governor’s Civic Award. Picture Dean Martin

In 1834, the British House of Commons passed ‘A Bill to erect South Australia into a British Province’ and consequently on 19 February 1836, the Letters Patent establishing the Province of South Australia were signed by King William IV.

When the Letters Patent were issued it was the first time Aboriginal rights were legislatively acknowledged and granted in Australia’s colonial history.

The first official settlers left London for South Australia in February 1836.

In all, nine ships carrying over 500 colonists had arrived on the shores of Holdfast Bay by December 1836.

The last of these ships to arrive was the Buffalo, captained by John Hindmarsh, who was to be the new province’s first governor.

The Buffalo anchored off Holdfast Bay early in the morning of 28 December.

On the same sweltering summer day, the new settlers gathered under the shade of a ‘huge gum tree’.

The Proclamation Document was read and a moral tone was set for the new province.

Marines from the Buffalo fired a ‘royal salute to the British flag’ followed by a ‘feu-de-joie’, after which the ‘Buffalo saluted the Governor with 15 guns’.

History has shown us that the intention of the Letters Patent and iteration in the Proclamation were not followed in the decades since 1836, but this year at the 187th Proclamation Day ceremony we endeavour to acknowledge and reflect on our joint histories as a State.