Sunset Cultural Ceremony

Sutherland Shire Council  hosted the Sunset Cultural Ceremony in Burnum Burnum Sanctuary on Saturday evening to showcase First Nations culture and storytelling, featuring local Elders and performers.  Connecting with Indigenous culture and country was a great way for the attendees to start the Australia Day long weekend.

In wonderful weather, and amongst banskia, grass trees, she-oak and speargrass, First Nations dancers, musicians and elders moved the thousands of those who gathered.

Sutherland Shire Reconciliation hosted a stall in the shade on the west side of Woronora's Burnum Burnum Sanctuary to support conversations adjacent to this ceremony. We invited children and families to plait Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag-coloured wool as well as colour-in Indigenous designs. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, including Toni, Jan, Evan, Izzie, and Rachel, for engaging the public to provide information and advice about reconciliation.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Jack Boyd, described the event as a "beautiful and moving afternoon" where "we were honoured to listen, learn and reflect alongside local Elders, musicians, stallholders and community, against the powerful backdrop of the Woronora River."

Photo credit: Sutherland Shire Reconciliation & Sutherland Shire Council