Over 1,000 community members came together in meaningful reconciliation on January 25 to acknowledge the resilience of First Nations people and celebrate Indigenous culture through dance, song and stories.
Ngarrama (pronounced Nurra-ma) was a free public event held in King Edward Park on January 25 on the eve of Australia Day—a divisive day for many.
Supported by the City of Newcastle, the night of reflection was hosted by the University of Newcastle and Awabakal Ltd.
Many Novocastrians attended the event with picnic blankets and dinner in hand, coming together to explore truth-telling and historical acceptance.
Ngarrama translates to ‘to sit, listen and know’ and, as the name suggests, was a time for listening and quiet reflection through sharing stories, knowledge, and culture.
The night included a smoking ceremony, Welcome to Country by Worimi descendant Teresa Dargan, traditional dance, music, storytelling and knowledge sharing from elders.
Dargan said real change would only come if people were united and connected to country, culture and community.
“I respect every single one of you, and I acknowledge every single one of you—inclusion is the number one word we must use,” Dargan said.
“We need to become one, and if not, then we will become separated … all this pain and trauma will go away if we enact change.”
“So let’s make a change here today; let’s make sure everyone is included, our ancestors are remembered, our elders are respected, and the next generation become our leaders.”
Inspired by Sydney’s Vigil at Barangaroo, Ngarrama celebrated the rich culture of all First Nations people, particularly the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, the traditional owners of the land upon which Newcastle now stands.
University of Newcastle Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership Nathan Towney said the inaugural Ngarrama event allowed the Newcastle community to come together and reflect on traditional life before 1788.
“At the University of Newcastle, we believe we are all enriched by cultural knowledge and a connection to country,” Towney said.
“As a place of learning, we know we have an important role to play in engaging our wider community through knowledge sharing.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she was honoured to attend the event and represent the citizens of Newcastle.
“The City of Newcastle always was and always will be Aboriginal land,” Cr Nelmes said.
“As Lord Mayor, I am honoured to be a part of this gathering, which is a symbol of our shared aspiration for reconciliation, recognition and celebration of our First Nations people.
“As Ngarrama translates – we have come together this evening ‘to sit, listen and know’ and to reflect quietly on our nation’s past with traditional ceremony and cultural celebration.”
On January 26, hundreds gathered at Foreshore Park for “Day of Mourning” hosted by Justice Aunties.
After the traditional smoking ceremony, Welcome to Country and speeches, the crowd marched from Customs House to Nobbys Beach.
The rally was followed by market stalls, beach rugby and a mini-concert featuring traditional dances and performances by local Aboriginal artists.
Hayley McMahon