Uncle Allan Madden delivered a warm Welcome to Country. He described the land of the Eora lying between the three rivers – the Hawkesbury to the north, Nepean to the west and Georges River to the south. By noting that the Eora nation included 29 clan groups Uncle Allan clarified that we were being welcomed to Gadigal land here on the grassy slopes at the northern tip of Barangaroo.
Governor Hurley’s fine address showed that a leader could be up to speed on issues pertaining to contemporary Aboriginal society and its relation to the rest of Australia.
The Jannawi Dance Clan performed several dances including their Flag dance. This coincided with Jessica Mauboy singing “Advance Australia Fair” from the top of the Bridge, first in Gadigal, then in English, as the Aboriginal and current Australian flags were raised over the great grey arch. The Jannawi Fish Net dance was beautifully performed and netted the whole audience into a mood of reconciliation.
This was a most dramatic opening to a day that always presents challenges for people who want to have pride in Australia, but know that until the injustices of the past are faced up to and have been acknowledged in a tangible way, it isn’t possible to embrace the full possibilities of moving together as One Mob.
Jim Monro
Balmain
