Yesterday evening I attended the Wollundry Dreaming's Mawang ngiyanhi bala Yarruwala (Together we are strong and mighty) community event. 

The event was well attended with over 100 members of the community present and importantly many community elders. 

Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Cheryl Penrith did the Welcome to Country introduced by Auntie Mary Atkinson. 

The restoration of Wiradjuri culture, heritage and language has been inspiring and I am greatly pleased to see that growth continue. 

Members of the Wollundry Dreaming Choir include Tayren Williams, Tyky Williams, Charli-Rae Wallace, Chad Hill, Trey Hoskins, Benji Hale, Fletcher Wells-Lloyd, Nylah Little-Lloyd, and Keiran Knight. I was really pleased to see the next generation of Wiradjuri youth not just be present at the event but play an active and important part. 

The Maliyaa – Ashmont Aboriginal Dance Group led a traditional dance, the Willy Wagtail, with members of the community invite to participate. 

Beforehand,  a Growing up Wiradjuri storytelling session at the Curious Rabbit Cafe with Elders Isabel Reid, Lorraine Tye, Mary Atkinson, and Cheryl Penrith was held. It was packed!

The entire event was a warm and positive celebration of our National day lead by our amazing Indigenous leaders and community.

I would like to thank members of the Wagga Wagga community and council for attending. Our joint celebration and recognition of our national day is an important step in reconciliation and unity. 

Most of all I would like to thank Leanne Sanders of Wollundry Dreaming for organising the event; her passion and hard work paid off. Leanne is a tremendous and much loved member and asset of the Wagga Wagga community.