DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation)

Live-Stream of State Funeral Service for Uncle Jack Charles
2022-10-18 13:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Ulumbarra Theatre, 10-20 gaol road, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
The State Funeral Service for Uncle Jack Charles will be live-streamed at Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre.

This event is free for anyone who wishes to gather together on Dja Dja Wurrung country to pay respects to Uncle Jack.

Date: Tuesday 18 October 2022
Time: 1.00pm Smoking Ceremony on Ulumbarra steps & doors open.
1.45pm On stage welcome from Dja Dja Wurrung.
2.00pm Live stream of service commences.
Location: Ulumbarra Theatre (10-20 Gaol Road, Bendigo)
Ticketing: FREE. No ticket required

Bendigo Botanic Gardens Visitor Hub Opening
2022-10-08 14:00 - 15:00
DJANDAK was engaged to provide cultural input into the design of the new Visitor Hub section of the Bendigo Botanic Garden including the built form, planting palette, language place names, education and gathering spaces and interpretive signage. The Kapa Gatjin (Knowing Water) advisory group explored the project brief and provided significant cultural input into these aspects of the project and generously shared their cultural knowledge to help develop a new Djaara cultural landscape for the whole community to enjoy.

The City of Greater Bendigo will official open The Botanical Gardens Central Hub (Larni Garingilang) on behalf of Mayor, Cr Andrea Metcalf on Saturday 8th Oct, 2022.

Larni Garingilang (meaning home of growth in the language of the Dja Dja Wurrung is an exciting $7M cultural precinct that features:

A new café/function centre building with community rooms
New gardens with over 15,000 local indigenous plants
Gathering and educational spaces
Wetlands and ponds
Stormwater harvesting system

The project has been funded by $3.75M from the Victorian Government – Building Works package, $1.75M from the Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, $550,000 from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and $1M from the City of Greater Bendigo. A further $10,000 contribution from Friends of the Bendigo Botanic Gardens assisted with the design of the project.

Treaty Day Out to be held at Bendigo Showgrounds on Dja Dja Wurrung Country
2022-10-01 14:00 - 23:00 | Bendigo Showgrounds, 42 Holmes Rd, Bendigo, VIC, 3550, Australia
Dan Sultan, Briggs and Kee’ahn lead the line-up for this year’s edition of Treaty Day Out.
The festival will be held at Victoria’s Bendigo Showgrounds on Dja Dja Wurrung Country on October 1. In addition to Sultan, Briggs and Kee’ahn, Treaty Day Out boasts a lineup of entirely First Nations artists, featuring performances from the likes of No Fixed Address, Marlon X Rulla and Scott Darlow, among others.
Rounded out by additional line-up acts Nooky, Madi Colville Walker and Bumpy, the festival will be hosted by the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, an elected body which represents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the state’s Treaty process.
Speaking of the event, which will also host an array of cultural activities and food amenities, Amy Rust of First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria said that Treaty Day Out “is a way for us to share our culture and to invite Victorians on the Treaty Journey with us.”
“The work we’re doing is monumental, but this is an opportunity to come together, reflect on how far we’ve come and to have fun with mob. Our culture, our music, is deadly and we want to share that and to celebrate it all,” Rust said.
Tickets to Treaty Day Out are free for First Nations people who are involved with the Assembly, and are otherwise available for purchase. Tickets are available now via the festival’s website here.
https://www.treatydayout.com/

CONFLUX Bendigo
2022-09-09 - 2022-09-10 | Emporium Creative Hub, 25 Mitchell Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3551, Australia
/ˈkɒnflʌks/
noun: ‘a convergence or dynamic gathering of creative forces, people or ideas’
Over two days in September, creative trailblazers will converge in Bendigo for thought provoking conversations, inspirational performance, enlightening workshops and purposeful connection. Conflux Bendigo will inspire creatives in progressing their practice, creating a place and opportunity for collaboration, while simultaneously influencing public sector policy and private enterprise thinking by challenging norms around creativity. Comprising panel discussions, masterclasses, practitioner presentations, group forums, lively debates, Q&As, workshops, networking opportunities, performance, installations and more, Conflux Bendigo is diverse in its offering, bringing a festival vibe to a business focused event.
This year, Conflux Bendigo explores the theme of ‘A Brave New World’, exploring the role that creativity plays in driving innovation and how creatives can harness and drive emerging technology and themes to deliver ground-breaking new works.
Conflux Bendigo is an accessible event that takes place on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
Buy Tickets Here

White Night Bendigo
2022-09-03 19:00 - 23:30
White Night Bendigo returns to Bendigo to light up your night once again.
Experience all the sparkle and spectacle of this major event, in a vibrant celebration of Bendigo. Public and private spaces will be transformed with stunning light displays, celestial oddities, street eats and powerful, diverse voices. Join us for this joyful, democratic take-over of the night.
For more information, please click here.

International Day of World's Indigenous Peoples
2022-08-09
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed on 9 August each year to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous population. This event also recognizes the achievements and contributions that Indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
DJAARA continue to protect malamiya (cultural heritage), the practice of ceremony and the ongoing obligation to care for Djandak (Country).

Welcome Baby to Country
2022-07-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Bendigo Hospital, 100 Barnard Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550
NEW LOCATION: Star Cinema – 2 Peg Leg Road, Eaglehawk Town Hall, Eaglehawk Victoria 3556

Welcome Baby to Country returns this year.
DJAARA and Bendigo Health share this event to honour and acknowledge an infant’s connection to the land on which they are born through ceremony.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander babies (0-36 months old) are invited to participate in a Welcome Ceremony.
Hosted by the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners for Djaara babies born on or off Country, and any Aboriginal Community Members from other areas born on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
Registrations have closed.
For more information, please contact.
Email: members@djadjawurrung.com.au Call: 0418 564 363.

NAIDOC WEEK
2022-07-03 - 2022-07-10
We have a proud history of getting up, standing up, and showing up.
From the frontier wars and our earliest resistance fighters to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities fighting for change today—we continue to show up.
Now is our time. We cannot afford to lose momentum for change.
We all must continue to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! for systemic change and keep rallying around our mob, our Elders, our communities.
Whether it’s seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protections, Constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling, working towards treaties, or calling out racism—we must do it together.
National NAIDOC Events

National NAIDOC Ball - Narrm
2022-07-02
The National NAIDOC Award ceremony will be held on Saturday 2 July.
As we gather we will celebrate the 2021 and 2022 National NAIDOC Award winners!
There will be more information about the spectacular venue and where you can buy tickets closer to the date.
The last time the National NAIDOC Award Ceremony was held in Narrm was back in 2010.
See you in Narrm (Melbourne)!
Focus City 2022 Announced | NAIDOC

Wirama Shield
2022-05-28 10:15 - 14:30 | Fur Life Oval, Wade Street, Golden Square, VIC, 3550, Australia
The Sir Douglas Nicholls Indigenous Round will see Golden Square and Castlemaine compete for the Wirama Shield. DJAARA have worked together over the past five years to provide players with a Welcome and Smoking ceremony before the game.
This event is proudly presented by AFL Central Victoria & Bendigo Football Netball League.
The Welcome and Smoking Ceremony will take place at 1:55pm.
DJAARA have limited tickets available for our Members.
Your ticket will entitle free entry and an informal lunch.
To get your ticket, please contact Cassandra Lewis at corporation@djadjawurrung.com.au or call 03 5444 2888

National Reconcilitation Week
2022-05-27 - 2022-06-03
The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
Last year Reconciliation Australia encouraged all Australians to take action; not just in National Reconciliation Week but every week of the year
Take Action – Learn more about Reconciliation

First Nations for Climate Action
2022-05-23 18:30 - 19:30 | Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
In the lead up to World Environment Day on 5 June, ABC Indigenous Affairs Editor Bridget Brennan leads a conversation about the importance of First Nations’ knowledge in protecting our environment, discussing important projects and initiatives led by Indigenous communities around the world to create a more sustainable future for us all.
Presented in collaboration with the MIT Civic Design Initiative Deep Listening Project.
With a deep connection to, and knowledge of, the land they care for, First Nations communities are a crucial but often overlooked voice in conversations about sustainability, climate action and environmental policy.
Bridget will talk with Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Rodney Carter and Dr Darren J. Ranco who is the Associate Professor of Anthropology and Chair of Native American Programs at the University of Maine.
This event will take place at the Melbourne Museum and will also be streamed online. Guests can choose to purchase a ticket to attend in person, or an online ticket to watch the live-stream. All ticket holders will have on-demand access to the event recording for 14 days. Find out more about First Nations Communities and Climate Action – Part of Future Forums: Ideas shaping tomorrow.

How We Flourish - Bendigo Writers Festival
2022-05-13 14:15 - 15:15 | Bendigo Bank Theatre, 50 View Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550, Australia
Terri Janke and Thomas Mayor and host Belinda Duarte
Five years on from the release of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, have we moved closer to the establishment of a First Nations Voice in parliament? Lawyer Terri Janke and activist Thomas Mayor talk with Belinda Duarte from DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) about what is making a difference and about the importance of education and connection to culture.
Check out more about How We Flourish at the Bendigo Writers Festival.

Original signing of the Recognition and Settlement Agreement 2013
2022-03-28
After 15 years of intensive negotiations, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (now trading as DJAARA) on behalf of the Dja Dja Wurrung People, and the Victorian Government signed the Recognition and Settlement Agreement on 28th March 2013 which was registered by the Native Title Tribunal on 25 October 2013.
Learn more about our Recognition and Settlement Agreement

International Women's day
2022-03-08
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8 March. It offers an opportunity to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) Registration
2021-11-27 10:00 - 12:00
Our AGM is an important annual meeting that allows our Directors to provide the members with information about what has happened at DJAARA over the last 12 months.
Members of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, trading as DJAARA, are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held:
Date: Saturday, 27 November 2021
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (AEDT)
Format: Via online video conference
To confirm your attendance at the virtual AGM, please register below.
Register here

Registrations are open from Friday 5 November and will close at 5 pm on Wednesday 24 November 2021
When registering you will be asked to confirm that you are a member and to provide your name, address, Family Group, email address and phone number
Following the close of registration, attendees will be sent a confirmation letter with a username and password to enable access to the meeting
Each attendee is required to register online using an individual email address
Registration is linked to voting at the AGM, and if more than one member is joining the AGM at the same link, an Appointment of Proxy form can be completed and provided to the Corporation by 5 pm on Wednesday 24 November 2021. Download Appointment of Proxy 2020-21 form
To nominate a family group member as a Director, please return the completed Nomination of a Director form and Consent to become a Director form to members@djadjawurrung.com.au by 5 pm on Wednesday, 24 November 2021. Download Director Nomination & Consent forms and learn more about the duties of Directors and other officers here.

Should you have any questions or to give your apology if you are unable to attend the AGM,
please email members@djadjawurrung.com.au or text or call 0427 761 257

Djaara Duroyi Weaving - Session 3
2021-10-30 11:00 - 14:00
Djaara women are invited to attend 4 Djaara Duroyi Weaving Sessions with Aunty Marilyne Nicholls.
Sessions are capped at 20 women per session
Session 3: Saturday 30 October 2021 | 11am – 2pm | Light refreshments and materials will be provided
Please RSVP directly to Nikita Charles – Program Manager, Member Engagement | members@djadjawurrung.com.au or text/ call 0427 761 257

Victoria Nature Festival 2021
2021-08-11 12:00 - 2021-09-26 17:00
With more than 80 events and experiences, the Victoria Nature Festival returns for its second year full of creative ways to connect with and act for nature.
This September, get ready to explore and learn all about Victoria’s rich natural environment and wildlife at the Victoria Nature Festival.
Go for a bushwalk, learn from Traditional Owners about caring for Country, join exciting panel events and take part in citizen science.
Find out more about the Nature Festival here.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's day
2021-07-04
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is held to honour and celebrate the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children within family and community.

AWAKEN - Bendigo Brought to Light
2021-06-26 19:00 - 2021-07-17 23:00
Every night over the period of 26 June 2021 – 17 July 2021, Bendigo’s beautiful Rosalind Park will transform with a series of vibrant installations that engage and immerse visitors in an unforgettable sensory experience. Each installation captures Bendigo’s stories of the city and its rich history, through a radiant display of light, colour and sound in a spectacular fashion.
At Rosalind Park Piazza you will find an illuminated Acknowledgement of Country, a beacon of light that represents the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples. Continuing into the park, you will find illuminated representations of all things Bendigo, including our Horticultural heritage, Chinese heritage, vibrant art history, famous tulips, and even a “River of Gold”. At each 13 key stops, you will be invited to read about the magnificent light displays and the story behind how they relate to Bendigo.
For more information and to download the AWAKEN app, click here.

Mabo Day
2021-06-03
This day commemorates Torres Strait Islander, Eddie Koiki Mabo and his campaign for land rights. Eddie Mabo started a campaign for indigenous land rights, that led to a landmark decision of the High Court of Australia.
Learn more about Eddie Mabo, the man behind Mabo Day

Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum
2021-05-27
The referendum put the following question to the Australian people: Do you approve the proposed law for the alteration of the Constitution entitled ‘An Act to alter the Constitution so as to omit certain words relating to the people of the Aboriginal race in any state so that Aboriginals are to be counted in reckoning the population’? Turnout for the referendum was almost 94 per cent, and the result was a strong ‘Yes’ vote.
