Community
23 January, 2026
An afternoon of reflection
COMMUNITY members are invited to sit, listen, hear and remember during a special gathering in Port Fairy this Sunday, January 25.
The event, organised by Moyne Shire Council in partnership with Aboriginal community members, is titled ‘Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna’ and will centre on listening, truth-telling and coming together on Country.
To be held at East Beach, this year’s gathering will be guided by the theme of Treaty (Gellung Warl).
Community members are welcome to arrive from 4.30pm to share a free bush food barbecue by Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Co-operative, with the official ceremony starting at 5pm.
The program will include a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony, yarning and live music.
Respected cultural leader Uncle Michael “Mookeye” Bell, a Gunditjmara and Boandik man and representative on the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, will share reflections through yarning on Treaty.
This will highlight what it means, why it matters and how listening and understanding supports healing and stronger relationships.
The gathering will also feature a contribution from Richard Frankland, a Gunditjmara storyteller, playwright, musician and filmmaker.
His work has long centred on truth-telling and he has contributed to conversations connected to Victoria’s Treaty journey.
The name Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna (sit, listen, hear, remember) reflects the spirit of the gathering and the importance of listening deeply, acknowledging truth and walking together toward a shared future.
In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Port Fairy Yacht Club, 1 Griffiths Street, Port Fairy.
