Big plans for Moree Gamilaraay Survival Day Gathering

Maruma-li ngyaningu dhuwi (healing our souls) is the motto for the Gamilaraay Survival Day Gathering which is all about remembering, understanding and healing from the past.

In particular, the event will commemorate the Waterloo Creek Massacre which occurred on January 26, 1838.

“It’s about making people aware of what happened and what we can do together as a race of people, especially the Gamilaraay people, to heal our souls,” co-organiser, Paul Spearim said.

The first annual event last year was a huge success and the Moree Gamilaraay Invasion Day Gathering committee has plans to make it bigger and better this year.

At 11am, on January 24 and 25, traditional smoking ceremonies will take place at the entrances to about 15 towns, including Boggabilla, Gunnedah, Walgett, Coonabarabran and more.

On January 26, members of the Aboriginal community will perform a smoking ceremony at the entrances to Moree, at about 7.30am, before doing the same at Myall and Waterloo creeks.

The gathering will then take place at Jellicoe Park at 12pm and will feature a barbecue, traditional dancing, an open mic event, damper-making, fishing and a whole lot of fun.

A film and trivia night will be held that evening at a venue to be confirmed.

“This year we wanted to make it a lot better and more inclusive for everyone,” Mr Spearim said. “Anybody and everybody of all different nationalities are more than welcome to come along and enjoy themselves in a peaceful day where they also get to learn about Gamilaraay history.”

The committee would particularly like to extend an invitation to Moree mayor Katrina Humphries.