By Casey Neill
Australian music legend Archie Roach helped to launch Yarra Ranges Council’s Culture Tracks program for the year ahead.
The Memo in Healesville hosted an event on Monday 11 February to preview the coming program, which features music, theatre, family programs, cinema and artist showcases.
Roach said he was impressed that there was so much talent around and choices for audiences.
“More power to them. I just appreciate that they’re [council] doing something and including more indigenous people and talent as well,” he said.
“It’s important [for people] to try and understand more about local people – not just taking part in the smoking ceremony, but going to actually see the local Aboriginal people and try and learn more stories about the place and country as well.”
Roach said he grew up around the Healesville area and returning brought back fond memories.
Local Wurundjeri elders Perry Wandin and Brooke Wandin performed a smoking ceremony.
Guests were encouraged to cleanse in the smoke and to also learn some new words in Woiwurrung, the traditional language of the Wurundjeri people.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Tony Stevenson said the ceremony was incredible.
“On a night like tonight when we talk about creativity, we also reflect on our heritage and our history,” he said.
“It’s significant to have heard so much traditional language, harking back over tens of thousands of years.”
Members of stage production The Sapphires performed, as did Melbourne Chamber Players.
Artists and creatives from across Yarra Ranges offered personal insights into their passions, life journeys and the importance of community in Yarra Ranges.
“It’s a pretty spectacular place to live and that comes out in all of the work we create,” artist Emma Jennings said.
“We are all connected by the challenges we face because of a unique landscape.
“It makes our artwork amazing but it also brings us together.”
Other highlights included a performance by blindfolded rope artist Ryan Darwin, a preview of the production My Sight Their Sight.
Visit culturetracks.info for the full program.
