January 26 Survival Day Dawn Ceremony returns | ourballarat summer 2022-23

While a day of mourning, it is also a day to mark the survival of ongoing traditions and cultures.

Importantly, it is a day where all Australians can come together to learn about and respect our nation’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people’s history.

The Koorie Engagement Action Group (KEAG) is instrumental in the organisation of the Survival Day service.

KEAG is an advisory committee that provides the City of Ballarat with expertise in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters.

Dawn service working group member Nikki Foy says Survival Day represents all that KEAG embodies — promoting understanding within the Ballarat community of Aboriginal culture, society and heritage.

“Survival Day is not only a lasting tribute to the pain and suffering of Aboriginal people, but also an exciting celebration of their resilience and contribution to society," Nikki says.

“It is an opportunity to unite future generations of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians with one voice that acknowledges and respects the past through this powerful and moving spiritual ceremony.”

The 2023 Survival Day Dawn Ceremony will commence at 5.30am on 26 January at Viewpoint, Lake Wendouree.

The projects, initiatives, and ideas in this article align with the following goals of the City of Ballarat Council Plan 2021-2025:

Goal 2

A healthy, connected and inclusive community