Survival Day Dawn Ceremony 2025
In the early hours of 26 January, Viewpoint of Lake Wendouree will be the venue for the sixth Survival Day Dawn Ceremony.
On 26 January 2025, the shores of Lake Wendouree will once again be the venue for Ballarat’s Survival Day Dawn Ceremony.
The 2025 Ballarat Survival Day Dawn Ceremony will be the sixth reflection and healing event hosted by the City of Ballarat's Koorie Engagement Action Group (KEAG) Advisory Committee in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.
While a day of mourning and remembrance of First Peoples who fought in the frontier wars, 26 January is also a day to mark the survival of ongoing traditions and cultures.
The Survival Day Dawn Ceremony is an inclusive event, welcoming all to join in solidarity for reflection and healing.
January 26 in Australia provides an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to mourn, reflect, and for all to learn about the true history of the country.
First Nations' community, one and all will gather to remember, to celebrate resilience, to strengthen murrup (spirit) by practicing culture through song, story sharing and unity at this award-winning truth-telling event.
The 2025 Survival Day Dawn Ceremony:
When: Sunday, 26 January 2025, commencing at 5.30am
Where: View Point, Lake Wendouree
Just some of the community contributing to this event alongside the City's Advisory Committee include MC Belinda Duarte AM, the Ballarat Community dance group, local song woman deborahN and choir, Alex Jameson and Ballarat youth and artist Amaiyah Edwards.
At the close of the ceremony community attending from near and far are encouraged to stay on and enjoy a cuppa while connecting beside the ceremony sand circle as a yarning place.
Watch Previous Survival Day Dawn Ceremonies
Events and Resources
For other events and resources promoted by the KEAG Advisory Committee see the First Nations Events and Reconciliation Action page - Wellbeing and You.