Reflections on Our Inaugural Day of Mourning Education Stall
It was a busy and impactful day at our first-ever Day of Mourning education stall at Mollymook Beach. Throughout the event, we shared nearly 500 leaflets, distributed a thousand stickers, and engaged in countless conversations—each an opportunity for connection and reflection.
Some conversations were heartening, filled with curiosity and understanding.
Others were challenging - and that’s exactly what we hoped for. We want “tricky.” Thoughtful discussions—especially the difficult ones—are where real change begins. By approaching them with warmth and empathetic listening, we encouraged people to consider new perspectives.
Creating Moments of Connection
Our stall was family-friendly, offering interactive activities that created space for learning in a way that felt natural and engaging. Some families paused to read First Nations children’s books, while others gathered around educational coloring-in. The kids especially loved painting rocks with Aboriginal hearts, taking them home or hiding them in the park for others to find—creating small yet meaningful connections to First Nations cultures. These activities didn’t just entertain; they opened doors to conversation.
Embracing the Heart of Our Nation
This land always was and always will be Aboriginal land. There is nothing to fear in those words—they are a testament to the most enduring culture on Earth. Wouldn’t it be madness to think there is nothing valuable to learn from societies that have thrived for tens of thousands of years?
We’ll know we’ve truly achieved inclusion when First Nations kids grow up feeling safe, seen, and valued—when they can walk confidently in two worlds, carrying their culture as a gift to both. We see glimmers of that future already unfolding.
Gratitude for Our Incredible Volunteers
A huge thank you to our committed and big-hearted volunteers, and to everyone who dropped by, stayed for hours, or shared this space with their children, helping create a welcoming and respectful environment.
Thank you to those Aboriginal members of Walking Together who helped to design this initiative - both the overall messaging and approach taken, as well as the pamphlets and conversation guide. This was designed to be an opportunity for non-Indigenous members to try to make our local community safer and more respectful for Aboriginal families, and we are grateful for the empathy and dedication brought to this initiative by those volunteers who took up this opportunity: Glenn Findley, Georgie, Steph, Debbie, Gillian, Malley, Noël, Greg, Robyn, Robyn H, Janie, Lilly and Ella.