Ceremony to acknowledge the history of our First Nations people on Australia Day

As the polarising national argument that is Australia Day continues, a dawn service in Mudgeeraba could hold the key to moving forward as mates.

Is there any quality more Australian than mateship?

It’s a concept more powerful than friendship, and one that should never be bound by gender, race or religion.

At its simplest, it’s the idea that we will support each other even, or especially, in the toughest of conditions … if someone is your mate, their pain is your pain.

Which is why I struggle with celebrating Australia Day.

Don’t get me wrong, no matter its flaws, I love this country.

And I believe that coming together as Australians to celebrate what we have in common – a love of the land, a love of the lifestyle – is integral to our national identity and the belief that we are all one family.

I just don’t want to do that on a day that is so painful to so many of our mates.

Which is why I am grateful for, and inspired by, the dawn service being held at Mudgeeraba this January 26.

Organised by Ngarang-Wal Gold Coast Aboriginal Association Incorporated secretary and Kombumerri traditional owner Justine Dillon, granddaughter of the late Graham Dillon OAM, and supported by Councillor Glenn Tozer and the City of Gold Coast, this event is neither protest nor celebration.

Indigenous leader Justine Dillon. Picture by Richard Gosling

The Kombumerri Healing Ceremony will be held at 5am at Firth Park in Mudgeeraba to acknowledge the history of our First Nations people, to share their culture and to focus on reconciliation and moving forward together.

Held for the first time last year, more than 400 people attended what all agreed was a peaceful, emotional and hopeful ceremony.

All attendees were invited to be painted with ochre as a sign that they were included in this First Nations Kombumerri family.

Ms Dillon said it was all about changing the energy of the day.

“In my family, we never celebrated Australia Day. It was a day of sadness for us,” she said.

“I know for many people, even without a personal history of trauma related to that date, they just don’t feel comfortable celebrating it.

“The idea with this service is to honour the past and relieve the sadness for Indigenous families, while allowing other residents to acknowledge that pain with us. It’s about being united.

“We do not need to feel guilt or shame, but move forward together. There are no hard feelings if you want to celebrate later, we appreciate you taking the time to hear our story,

“I know for me last year, I felt so light and relaxed after the service. Other families said the same, they went home and had a swim, or went to the beach together, they were able to enjoy the day rather than feeling upset or conflicted.”

Australia Day always sparks controversy. Picture: James Horan

Just like Anzac Day, which begins with sombre ceremonies before becoming a day where the Australian lifestyle can be truly savoured, it’s the acknowledgment of the pain that makes the pleasure so much sweeter.

Personally, I’d love to see the date of Australia Day changed.

But until it does, if it ever does, this is a constructive way to respect, and hopefully reduce, the pain felt by our First Nations mates, while allowing space to still commemorate the positives of our country.

It’s a way to take the heat out of what has become such a polarising and unpleasant national argument.

And kudos to Cr Tozer for embracing this idea, it would be fantastic to see this event replicated in other divisions across the city.

Importantly, and incredibly, the site where this event will be held is also believed to be the same location where a massacre once took place.

“We suspect that the massacre of our people happened at Firth Park,” said Ms Dillon.

Cr Tozer has also previously addressed the issue.

“For some time now … I’ve been cautiously contemplating a way to address an alleged incident from a moment of dark history in Mudgeeraba,” he wrote in an
online post.

Woolworths stores have withdrawn the sale of Australia Day merchandise. Pictured is a store in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“Our nation’s treatment of First Nations people has at times been tragic and it’s conceivable that our area was no different in its persecution of Aboriginal families.

“As much as I might want to deny plausibility, the possibility is very real and on further research, probably likely. Whether we like it, or believe it, or not, discussion of the incident has caused First Nations people great pain and heartache. In our community we respond to heartache with empathy.”

That pain Cr Tozer spoke of still remains and it’s why supporting this event is a true show of compassion.

It’s the least we can do for our mates.

* The Kombumerri Healing Ceremony is a free event, supported by City of Gold Coast, and will be held at 5am on January 26 at Firth Park, Mudgeeraba, behind the netball courts. All are welcome, although seating may be limited, and a barbecue breakfast will be held afterwards

Originally published as Ceremony to acknowledge the history of our First Nations people on Australia Day