A free public event to engage the community in meaningful reconciliation through historical acceptance and recognising the richness and resilience of First Nations culture will be held on January 25.
Ngarrama (pronounced Nurra-ma) will be a night of reflection held at King Edward Park and hosted by the University of Newcastle, Awabakal Ltd and with support from the City of Newcastle.
Inspired by Sydney’s Vigil at Barangaroo, Ngarrama will celebrate the rich culture of all First Nations people, in particular the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, the traditional owners of the land upon which Newcastle now stands.
Ngarrama translates to ‘to sit, listen and know’ and as the name suggests will be a time for listening and quiet reflection through the sharing of stories, knowledge and culture.
University of Newcastle Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership Nathan Towney said the inaugural Ngarrama event on January 25 was a powerful opportunity for the Newcastle community to come together to 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.
“The success of the Vigil in Sydney has shown that there is a real appetite in the community to reconcile with our nation’s past through reflection, truth-telling and learning. We are proud to bring a similar opportunity to Newcastle.”
The program will run from 7 pm to 9 pm in King Edward Park and will include a smoking ceremony, welcome to country, traditional dance, music, storytelling and knowledge sharing.
Towney said Ngarrama would provide a clear space for traditional ceremony, acknowledgement and cultural celebration.
“It will be an opportunity for our community to access some of the incredible knowledge, talent and passion that is held among staff and students of our University and local community.”
Chief Executive Officer of Awabakal Limited Raylene Gordon said the event was a free, family-friendly event where community members were encouraged to bring their picnic rug, food and drink and join together on the grass of Newcastle’s spectacular King Edward Park.
“In this beautiful setting we will connect to country and reflect on the stories we hear but also the stories the land and waters around us hold,” Gordon said.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the University of Newcastle was immensely proud of its longstanding commitment to Indigenous higher education, innovation and engagement.
“As a leader within the Newcastle community we are committed to meaningful engagement and community collaboration for reconciliation,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“Our regions are home to the fastest-growing population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. Culture is strong and there is a thirst from non-Indigenous parts of our community to connect with, and learn from, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“I invite the community to join us at Ngarrama where there will be a valuable opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal culture.”
Hayley McMahon
Information source: UON