The first thing you notice when Uncle Raymond Whetherell sets fire to his smoking ceremony vessel is that the wind is quite gusty this morning in the forecourt of the Campbelltown Council administration building.
We’re here for this year’s memorial service for the victims of the Appin Massacre 209 years ago near what is now Cataract Dam.
Officially it’s called a flag raising ceremony but it’s fair to say that it’s mostly about keeping the memory alive of all those Aboriginal people from the Dharawal area, men, women and children, who lost their lives that fateful day on April 17, 1816.
The wind today is coming from the north-east and it’s not blowing a gale but it’s strong enough for the smoke from Uncle Raymond to envelope a large part of those in attendance, most of whom are local Aboriginal people.
As Uncle Raymond makes his way to the back of the audience, Auntie Glenda Chalker is on the microphone, speaking in a native dialect.
“That was welcome to country,’’ she says in English, before proceeding to explain that the reason for today’s ceremony is an important one.
“We are here to remember all those who lost their lives 209 years ago,’’ she says.
Mayor Darcy Lound is up next and he too repeats the sentiment that events like April 17, 1816 in Appin should never be forgotten.
“This terrible event still resonates in our community,’’ Mayor Lound said.
“Today is about continuing the healing in the spirit of reconciliation.’’
Once the speeches are done and dusted, the flags are raised, followed by a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives.
