Professional photographer Jenny Templin has documented Elders and major First Nations events all over Australia but she says it was truly inspiring to witness such a celebration taking place on her local beach. While a new bride looked on in disbelief a wonderful evening began in celebration of the traditional Dharawal People, men and women of this ancient culture dancing on the sand as the sun set. It was a beautifully executed event with fabulous performers like William Barton playing the didgeridoo to the assembled crowd while a range of workshops…from weaving and shell decorating to astronomy and language…took place on the perimeter, with dances taught to enthusiastic children and beautifully crafted artworks for sale…made by First Nations artists from as far away as Albury.
And on the beach once darkness fell a blue whale manifested, lit like it was immersed in the ocean (to mark the local traditional whale people, the Gweagal.) And finally to close proceedings a corroboree on the sand, surrounded by blazing fires.
