Murnong First Peoples’ Gathering Place

A Smoking Ceremony conducted by Uncle Shane Charles, and a Welcome to Country by Aunty  Zeta Thomson, kicked off the NAIDOC celebration for 2023 at the Murnong First Peoples’  Gathering Place in Glen Iris. 

Some 25 local Indigenous people joined in the celebration where they were able to relax, enjoy each  other’s company, yarn and spend time in the Murnong Art Gallery and the Wominjeka Garden.  

Early arrivals in the Murnong Aboriginal Gallery

Uncle Shane Charles added to the enjoyment with a Didgeridoo sound healing and musical  performance. 

The Indigenous food for the occasion was provided by Bunji Catering. 

This gathering was the first major event of the newly created Murnong First Peoples’ Gathering  Place which provides a safe and secure place for First Peoples’ in the Boroondara and surrounding  areas in the inner east part of Melbourne to meet and enjoy each other’s company. 

As the year unfolds there will be further events at the Gathering Place, some for mob only and  others to bring together both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of the local community.  

Listening in the Wominjeka Garden

The Murnong First Peoples’ Gathering Place is most grateful for the financial and other support  from a range of sponsors, including the National Council of Churches Australia (NCCA) and the  Melbourne Anglican Cultural Organization (MACO) which funded the NAIDOC Week event, and  especially Boroondara Council who have provided substantial triennial funding to support the  employment of a Gathering Place co-ordinator. 

As set out below, if you want to find out more or have any enquiries about the Gathering Place can  be directed to Uncle Glenn Loughrey at 0418 911 714 as set out below.  

See photos from the event overleaf. (Courtesy 3KND (Kool “N’ Deadly)