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Ganbu Gulin: One Mob Story Told By Djirri Djirri Dancers

Ganbu Gulin: One Mob tells the story of Darebin Councils’ decision to cease observing January 26 as Australia Day, and the evolution of an inclusive event that provides a platform for traditional owners to welcome new citizens in their own way.



This moving film documents the thoughts and feelings of those at the centre of this historic decision.


Following the screening, a panel discussion with filmmakers Benjamin Theodore Pederick and Daniel King (Goodmorningbeautiful Films) and the Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee took place followed by the Djirri Djirri dancers who are the only Wurundjeri female dance group, and also Traditional Custodians of Narrm (Melbourne).


Some comments from those taking part in this story say,,,, "When I see people celebrating on that (January 26) day, it tells me that I'm not Australian because I don't celebrate on that day. I don't see myself as Australian on Australia Day." — Ellie-Jean Singh, Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee

"We are part of history." — Aunty Erica Higgins, Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee

"We had a Council that listened, that had taken on board and that had a great deal of empathy towards the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander saying that this day (January 26) is a day of pain." — Charles Pakana, Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee

"January 26 is indelibly tied to the dispossession and subsequent oppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and our council cannot ignore the exclusion this entails and the impact it has on the health and wellbeing of our Indigenous community." — Kim Le Cerf, former City of Darebin Mayor.




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