An invitation to our 26 January 2024 community Dawn Reflection

The Dawn Reflection acknowledges the resilience and survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their continuous connection to Country and culture as the Traditional Custodians of this land.

In 2023, Waverley Council was one of the first local government organisations in Australia to host an event of this type on the 26^th of January and is proud to continue the tradition this year.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said the Dawn Reflection provides time not only to reflect as a community but to learn from our First Nations people and help mark 26 January in a more inclusive and respectful way.

"As a Council that is committed to social justice, we understand that January 26 can be a difficult day for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and that many in our community are still coming to terms with the result of the Voice to Parliament referendum,” Mayor Masselos said.

“Waverley voters were overwhelmingly in favour of a Voice to Parliament which would have given Australians the opportunity to walk together to recognise, empower and listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by enshrining this voice within the Constitution.”

The Dawn Reflection will include a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony from Traditional Custodians and traditional dancing from the La Perouse Gamay dancers and Jannawi Dance Clan. It will immediately be followed by a breakfast BBQ in front of Bondi Surf Club (gold coin donation with proceeds going to the GO Foundation and proudly supported by Harris Farm).

Later in the day, Council will also be holding two citizenship ceremonies at the Bondi Pavilion to welcome our newest residents to Waverley.

In 2000, Waverley Council was one of the first Councils in NSW to adopt a Statement of Commitment to Reconciliation as follows:

• Waverley Council acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are the first people of this land and were dispossessed by the European occupation more than two centuries ago. The arrival of Europeans brought massive change to the land and to First Australians
• Waverley Council acknowledges and grieves for the loss by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of their lands, their children, their health and their lives. However, we also celebrate their survival and the survival of their cultures
• We support the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to determine their own future and recognise their right to live according to their own values and customs
• We commit ourselves to respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s sacred sites and special places
• Council recognises the valuable contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and looks forward to a future of mutual respect and harmony
• Council supports the entire community in working together for Reconciliation.

In 2021, it established a Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory (RAP) Committee to provide cultural advice, guidance, feedback and support around the implementation and monitoring of actions, projects and commitments identified in Council’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. The Dawn Reflection is an initiative of the Committee.

The event starts at 5.30am on Friday 26 January on the sand in the middle of the beach, directly opposite Bondi Pavilion. All are invited to attend, and the event will proceed in wet weather.

-ENDS-

Media interested in covering the event are kindly asked to register their attendance via media@waverley.nsw.gov.au or 0416 075 532.