We-Akon Dilinja

Boonwurrung people, in partnership with City of Port Phillip will be hosting the fifth annual We-Akon Dilinja (Mourning Reflection) dawn ceremony on Friday 26 January 2024 at Alfred Sqaure, St Kilda.

2024 ceremony

Respect, remembrance and revival

For We-Akon Dilinja's fifth year, the Boonwurrung People invite you to join a gathering that honors respect, remembrance, and revival. This is a dawn ceremony that will be held at 5.45 am on Friday 26 January 2024 at Alfred Square, St Kilda. It is presented by the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council in partnership City of Port Phillip and supported by the National Australia Day Council.

This moving event, which will also be livestreamed on this webpage, and includes musical performances and a smoking ceremony. Readings will be given by Mayor Heather Cunsolo. No bookings are required.

We-Akon Dilinja program
Friday 26 January 2024
Alfred Square, St Kilda

Didgeridoo Player Kiernan Ironfield

Boonwurrung Welcome Song James Henry

Welcome to Country and Introduction Parbinata Dr Carolyn Briggs AM

Acknowledgement Zoe Daniel MP

Acknowledgement Nina Taylor MP

Baba Waian John Wayne Parsons

Aspirations for 2024 Jason Briggs

Boonwurrung song – “Long Time Living Here” Shauntai Sherree Abdul-Rahman (written by Deborah Cheetham AO, Parbinata Carolyn Briggs, Jarra Steel & Aunty Fay Stewart Muir)

Reading Cr Heather Cunsolo, Mayor of City of Port Phillip

Irmer John Wayne Parsons

Balayang James Henry

Smoking Ceremony led by Willie Pepper