The Proclamation Day event, held on 28 December every year at the Old Gum Tree Reserve in Glenelg North, commemorates the founding of South Australia.
This year, the 186th Proclamation Day commemoration will once again reflect on our shared history and what this important state ceremony means for all South Australians.
City of Holdfast Bay Mayor, Amanda Wilson, said that working alongside Kaurna Nation to include a focus on shared histories and truth telling is an important cultural shift for the commemoration.
“Over several years, the City of Holdfast Bay has forged an incredibly strong connection with the Kaurna Nation and for that, I am truly grateful,” Mayor Wilson said.
“This relationship prompted Council to formalise policies around diversity, anti-racism and social inclusion that were passed unanimously earlier this year. Importantly these policies not only support Kaurna but ensure Holdfast Bay is welcoming to all.
“The respectful relationship we have built with Kaurna is based on trust and a shared vision – to present the truth of colonial South Australia and the truth from a Kaurna perspective, equally.
“Last year, for the first time, Kaurna Elder Jeffrey Newchurch accompanied me in hosting this commemoration and I am honoured to have him by my side again today.”
Kaurna Elder Jeffrey Newchurch says he is thankful to be part of the commemoration.
“Proclamation Day now brings us an opportunity that we – and our Aboriginal people and our Kaurna people – were never afforded” he said.
“For years, I sat outside (the Old Gum Tree Reserve) in silent protest, in the gutter.
“Now, the opportunity to have a campfire the night before, to camp on Country and to let those spirits of our people know that we’re here, we’re back.
“For us as Aboriginal people, for myself, I’m thankful.
“I’m thankful that we are afforded this opportunity. Denial no more. This is us together.”
Her Excellency, the Hon Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, will read the Proclamation of South Australia at the ceremony hosted by the City of Holdfast Bay together with the Kaurna Nation.
“In the last 12 months I have been reminded of the importance for me personally, and for everyone in our community, of listening deeply and patiently to the voices of Kaurna people, and all Aboriginal Australians,” Her Excellency said.
“The wisdom and perspective of elders offers us insight into the long history of the lands we call South Australia, as well as how to care for them.
“I have been pleased to see our public institutions and community organisations take new steps on the path of reconciliation.
“I commend the City of Holdfast Bay on its strong relationships with the Kaurna community and for making Kaurna culture a central part of the Proclamation Day ceremony.”
The Proclamation Day event will begin from 9am on 28 December, with the Governor’s arrival at 9.30am.
The following road closures will be in effect in side streets surrounding the Old Gum Tree Reserve between 7am and 1pm:
MacFarlane St, Glenelg North, between Alison St and Morris St
Bagshaw St, Glenelg North, between Cornish St and Russell St
Noble Lane, Leicester Street and Cummings Lane
