DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation)

Reconciliation Week
2024-05-27 08:00 - 2024-06-03 17:00, 2023-05-27 - 2023-06-03 (Australia/Melbourne)

1967 Referendum Anniversary
2024-05-27

Reconciliation Day
2024-05-27

National Sorry Day
2024-05-26, 2023-05-26

Anniversary of The Bringing them home report
2024-04-05

Anniversary of the signing of the Recognition and Settlement Agreement (2013)
2024-03-28, 2023-03-28

Harmony Day
2024-03-21, 2023-03-21

National Close The Gap Day
2024-03-21, 2023-03-16

International Women's Day
2024-03-08, 2023-03-08

International Mother Language Day
2024-02-21

Anniversary of National Apology (2008)
2024-02-13

Survival Day
2024-01-26

Anniversary of Yapenya Celebration of Dja Dja Wurrung signing the Recognition and Settlement Agreement (RSA) (2008)
2023-11-15

International Day of Elders (Older) Persons
2023-10-01

Indigenous Literacy Day
2023-09-07

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
2023-08-09

National Aboriginal and Torers Strait Islander Children's Day
2023-08-04

NAIDOC Week - For Our Elders
2023-07-02 - 2023-07-09

Mabo Day
2023-06-03

Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum
2023-05-27

International Mother Language Day
2023-02-21
The bayikina (reawakening) of Dja Dja Wurrung language is essential to the cultural foundation of Dja Dja Wurrung People and DJAARA.
For many generations, Dja Dja Wurrung Ancestors have communicated and shared their languages with clans and other language groups who travel long distances for ceremony, trade, hunting, fishing, and gathering.
Stories from the mission period recount our old People being punished for using Dja Dja Wurrung language and customs in their everyday life. Through the years, Dja Dja Wurrung language, words, and traditions have survived through Dja Dja Wurrung People’s dynamic and determined connection to Country and Culture.
Today, on International Mother Language Day, we acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung People of the past who passed on these words to the collectors in the 19th century. We are also grateful to the DJAARA language team and Djali Balak (language subcommittee) for bayikina (reawakening) the Dja Dja Language today.
For more information on Dja Dja Wurrung language visit https://djadjawurrung.com.au/dhelk-djuwima-our-services/

15th Anniversary of National Apology to the Stolen Generations
2023-02-13
Today, on the 15th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, we acknowledge the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were and continue to be forcibly removed from their families and community.
** Djaara and Aboriginal viewers should be aware that this video may contain culturally sensitive material – including images and names of People who have passed away. **

Survival Day
2023-01-26
“January 26 marks the beginning of the genocide and the profound mistreatment of our People. It is important to reflect on the historical atrocities of the invasion and colonisation of our Ancestors.
“This past has not been well documented and is yet to be better understood and accepted by others. Our vision is that future generations will know the truth in our shared history.
“The Dja Dja Wurrung will continue to be a strong, constructive, and respectful voice in advocating for our People’s proper place in community matters.
“We hope others will increasingly share our vision so that one day we can lead the celebration of this land as our home.”

Cassandra Lewis
Acting Group CEO
Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, trading as DJAARA

First & Forever Festival
2022-11-27 13:00 - 22:00 | Hanging Rock, 139 S Rock Rd, Woodend, Victoria, 3442, Australia
First & Forever is a new, day-long festival celebrating Blak excellence and the irrepressible force that is contemporary First Nations culture and music.

Sunday 27 November
The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock
Macedon Ranges, VIC

GATES OPEN: 1PM | CONCERT BEGINS: 2PM | CONCERT FINISHES: 10PM
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
General Entry $79 for everyone 12 years and over
Entry for kids under 12 is free
Ticket info
Mushroom Group, the Victorian Government, and Bad Apples Music announce First & Forever – a new, day-long festival celebrating Blak excellence and the irrepressible force that is contemporary First Nations culture and music. Artists from multiple nations will converge on Victoria’s most spectacular stage, The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock on Sunday 27 November for this landmark music event.
Hand-picked by Bad Apples Music founder, rapper and author Briggs, the collected artists represent the myriad forms and genres through which First Nations culture continues to evolve, a dizzying procession of acts interwoven in short, uninterrupted sets.
Gates to the picnic-style event will open from 1pm, with music running into the night. Artists will showcase a set on one main stage, located at the foot of Hanging Rock – one of VIC’s most majestic and significant backdrops, and one befitting the performers’ awe-inspiring talents. A venue previously reserved for international performers, it’s a fitting setting for a bold and inspiring collection of First Nations talent.
Curated by Briggs (with a special thank you to Paul Kelly), the First & Forever line-up features 20+ supreme talents – from acts at the top of their game to iconic, progressive trailblazers, song writing giants and jaw-dropping, effervescent party starters.
