THE story of Coranderrk Aboriginal Station and its people was honoured and celebrated at the inaugural Coranderrk Festival on Saturday, 16 March.
In a moving Welcome to Country Alan Wandin, supported by his daughters Brooke and Jacqui, spoke of the journey they are undertaking to make Coranderrk a place of belonging where indigenous and non-indigenous people can connect with the land and the spirit of the ancestors who lived, worked and raised their families on Coranderrk.
Classical guitarist Sebastian Jorgensen gave a powerful and moving interpretation the songs of William Barak, a great, great uncle of Mr Wandin.
Jacqui and Brooke said they felt very proud to be honouring their ancestors and the ancestors of all the people who shared Coranderrk.
“Standing on the land where our ancestors lived, we feel very proud and very humble,” they said.
Displays, demonstrations, storytelling and music came together to make the day one of learning and of making connections … and even the rain played a part.
“It was disappointing to have the music program cut short when we had so many more wonderful performers to come, but even then people said it literally brought people closer together as they huddled under shelters,” Jacqui said.
She said the festival was the start of a new beginning for Coranderrk and urged people to follow their progress, and contribute festival photos, on the Coranderrk facebook page.
