A day of remembrance and reflection
Over 200 people attended the annual Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner commemorative event.
Reconciliation
Over 200 people attended the annual Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner commemorative event held in Wonthaggi on Tuesday bringing community, elders and partner organisations together for a powerful day of remembrance, reflection and truth-telling.
Uncle Mark Brown and Uncle Josh West representing Bunurong Land Council gave the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony and Uncle Rob Ogden spoke on behalf of his mother Aunty Dyan Summers. Rob is a proud Bunurong, Tyereelore, Trawoolway man who delivers traditional custodian and heritage advisory services from Tarwin Cultural Services.
Also in attendance was Krishna Methven, who lives in San Remo and is part of the Pairrebeenne-Trawlwoolway clan of north-eastern Tasmania. As a descendent of Mannalargenna, clan leader of the Pairrebeenne-Trawlwoolway clan, Krishna has deep family connections to Maulboyheenner.
"It's important we acknowledge the atrocities with a deep reflection of two men who should have been honoured and protected," said Uncle Rob Ogden.
"It's a celebration of still being here ... their voices and lives still matter," said Rob on behalf of his mother Bunurong Elder, Aunty Dyan Summers.
This commemoration honoured two Tasmanian Aboriginal men who were publicly executed in Melbourne in 1842 after resisting colonial occupation. At the time, they were denied basic rights, including the right to give evidence in their own defence. Today, they are recognised as frontier resisters and freedom fighters who stood to protect their people, culture and Country.
The day provided space to acknowledge the deep injustices of colonisation and its ongoing impacts, while also centring learning, listening and collective reflection.
"We thank the Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group, Bunurong Elders, speakers, the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network and everyone who attended for creating a culturally safe and meaningful space," a spokesperson said.
"As members of the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network, we are proud to acknowledge and honour this significant date in Victoria's history."
