On Tuesday 24 January Wollundry Dreaming held an event that was included in Wagga Wagga City Council's "Australia Day" program of events. The event was named Mawang ngiyanhi bala yarruwala to showcase Wiradyuri language and culture within Wagga.

The program began at the Curious Rabbit where Wiradyuri Elders Aunty Isabel Reid, Aunty Lorraine Tye, Aunty Mary Atkinson, and Aunty Cheryl Penrith read their chapters from the anthology created by the Elders working with Anita Heiss, Growing up Wiradjuri.

This event was so well received within the community with the Curious Rabbit being absolutely packed to capacity with an eager audience there to hear the Elders stories. The Elders read their chapters from the book but they also added further information to add depth to their storytelling.

After this event everyone moved to the Victory Memorial Gardens. This began with a Welcome to Country and a Smoking Ceremony.

There was a healing song sung in Wiradyuri language that was followed by the dancers from Ashmont Public School. After their dance they invited the audience to join in and dance with them.

There was also singing in Wiradyuri language. The Wollundry Choir was lead by Aunty Elaine Lomas in singing the Kookaburra in the Old Gum Tree in Wiradyuri language. Letetia Harris also sung in Wiradyuri accompanied by her son Yindyamarra.

The evening was capped off by having the Mighty Yak perform a concert for the attendees.

Photo credits: The Curious Rabbit and Jackie Cooper @ Jack Of Hearts Studio https://www.jackofheartsstudio.com.au/