The large crowd stood in silence while the four flags in the forecourt of Campbelltown Council were being raised by the various dignitaries at the 207th anniversary of the Appin Massacre yesterday morning.
Mayor George Greiss and our most famous Indigenous elder, Uncle Ivan Wellington, did the honours with the Aboriginal flag raising it to half-mast.
Other dignitaries were assigned to raising the Australian, NSW and Campbelltown City Council flags.
It takes a bit of time to do the flag raising, but it meant those standing in silence had plenty of time to reflect on the terrible events of April 17, 2016.
On that fateful day 14 men, women and children lost their lives when soldiers under the command of a Captain James Wallis shot at and drove a group of Aboriginal people over the gorge of the Cataract Dam in Appin.
Every year this tragic event is remembered at a special commemoration on the site where it happened.
The annual service is organised by the Winga Myamly Reconciliation Group and this year it was last Sunday, April 16.
With Uncle Ivan Wellington leading the way, a walk was held to the site, along with Aunty Glenda Chalker, Campbelltown MP Greg Warren Campbelltown Mayor George Greiss, Camden MP Sally Quinnell and Independent MP for Wollondilly and Southern Highlands Judy Hannan.
Twenty-four hours later a ceremony just as moving was held on Monday morning in the heart of the town centre.
It was the first time since the pandemic started in 2020 this event was held in public, and it drew the biggest crowd for a long time, if not ever.
Following the traditional smoking/cleansing performed by Uncle Ivan, Auntie Glenda took to the microphone for the Welcome to Country.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning, and on the weekend, to remember the victims of the 1816 Appin Massacre,’’ said Mayor Greiss when he followed Auntie Glenda to the microphone.
“Today, 207 years on from the tragedy, we remember, reflect and heal together as a community.
“We are a respectful community which embraces all cultures and it’s what makes Campbelltown so special.
“I’d also like to extend my thanks to the Winga Myamly Reconciliation Group for continuing to recognise this important day,’’ he said.
