We give acknowledgement to Widjabul Waibul People on whose Land the Events have occurred. We acknowledge the Elders who were present at the 1973 Festival and their Descendants today.
Planning for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Nimbin Aquarius Festival in 1973 began with The Nimbin Aquarius Foundation Inc. (NAFI) in the preceding years, but were significantly interrupted by COVID and Flood Events.
Connection with the Widjabul Wiabul People regarding the Celeb ration had begun with Binnah Pownell and myself Annie McGovern, being Members of NAFI who had undertaken the responsibility of connecting with the People to ensure their involvement with the organization of the Gathering, and inclusion thoughout the Celebration.
The original Nimbin Aquarius Festival in 1973 was known to be a significant time and Event for Widjabul Wiabul due to the involvement of their Elders, both in the organizers seeking the permission of the Local People prior to the Festival, and, the Culturally important role they played during the Festival itself. Many of the people today, Descendants of the Elders, were present in 1973 as children, teenagers and young adults, and the memory of that time for them is highly significant.
We have continued to work with the Friends of Aquarius 50 Organizing Group to further develop the involvement with Widjabul Wiabul and NAFI. Greg Bork has worked closely as part of the Team, developing Goori connection and activitiy throughout this process, and Jenni Kendall has assisted in connecting the Team both with Rhoda Roberts and with the wider interactions with First Nations People from other parts of Australia.
Prior to the first Grant Application being made, discussion was had with Widjabul Wiabul regarding the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the Goori 1st night Concert, Discussion Groups, invited Dancers, Musicians, Cultural Workshops and Children’s Activities. It took a great deal of discussion and consideration of all these elements, particularly in the light of limited funding and time with the date of the Event getting nearer. This was all significantly assisted by Gilbert Laurie, and Rhoda, Cecil, and Mark Roberts who gave of their time and advice to ensure all the activities were organized in an appropriate manner.
Several attempts to source Funding Grants have been made by the Aquarius 50 Organizing Group including our Team’s efforts to source Funding for Goori activities. When these have proved unsuccessful we have been buoyed by the dedication Janelle Saffin MP has made to the people of Nimbin that the Funds for which we are now making Application, would be forthcoming. This has enabled us to put forward our own Funds and other sources to ensure the Event was enabled.
The Opening Ceremony
An imaginative and Culturally creative performance of Dance, Didgeridoo and Singing.
Widjabul Wiabul Elders,Speakers and Performers.
Held in Peace Park and attended by 200 people.
The 1st Night Goori Concert.
A beautiful and expressive night of Music and Dance to the tunes of Bunna Lawrie.
Bunna was also accompanied by local musicians, including Lewis Walker.
Held at Nimbin Town Hall and attended by 170 people.
Day 2 – Discussion Panel
An interactive and informative discussion with Rhoda Roberts and Judy Atkinson.
Held at Nimbin Town Hall and attended by 100 people.
Day 3. Widjabul Wiabal attendance at The Channon Market and Flourish Sancturary.
Goori travelled from Nimbin to the Channon to present Welcome Ceremony.
A well-appreciated interaction with the people visiting the Channon Markets. 350 people.
Flourish Sanctuary – a more personal Smoking and Welcome to the participants there. 30 people.
Days 4, 5, 6, 7…
Spontaneous and interactive events on the streets and within the scope of the Celebration facilities.
During the Gathering there were many opportunites for both public and personal discussion regarding “The Voice”, Land Rights, Environmental and Social perspectives for Goori and the wider sphere of Aboriginal People.
These included activities at the Chai Tent, The World Rainbow Cafe and the Nimbin Town Hall.
100 people.
Day 8 – The Elders Dinner.
A gathering of Original Festival ’73 Organizers and Attendees and Long-Time Nimbin People.
An opportunity for many stories, memories and experiences to be shared and re-vitalised.
Rhoda Roberts and Gilbert Laurie were Guest Speakers at this Event.
An appreciative attendance at the Nimbin Town Hall of 70 people.
Day 9 – Childrens Activities
Goori kids were able to participate in a fun day at the Bush Theatre.
The Nimbin Town Hall provided the venue for an inclusive night of music and dance for the Teenagers of Nimbin.
A happy experience for those attending. 100 People.
Day 10 – The Closing Ceremony
The Closing happened in 2 stages, the 2nd of which was the small fire, dance and singing of Widjabul Wiabul to bring the celebrations to a close.
At the Closing Ceremony, Cecil Roberts and Steve ‘Didge’ Johnson officiated with Brendan and Sam Bolt.
This occurred in the twilight at the dance circle in Peace Park and was attended by 40 people.
The Showground Goori Camp
With the support of the Nimbin Showground Committee, a Camp was set up to provide shelter, meals and gathering opportunities for Widjabul Wiabul participating in the Aquarius 50 Event.
The Camp also hosted visiting people from other parts of Australia.
Prior to the Gathering Lea Jellinek and Greg Bork greatly assisted with sourcing Donations of food, kitchen items, children’s art materials and books, tarps and storage containers, which helped make the Camp a functional and vital space for people.
A Cool Room was hired for the duration with the assistance of funds from Simonetta Zigaldo.
NAFI had also promised re-imbursement of funds spent on food for the camp.
The Camp continued to facilitate the essential needs of people for the duration of the Event.
It provided an interactive space for Widjabul Wiabul and an opportunity for social and cultural connection.
It also provided the chance for discussion with anyone who visited the camp around a warm fire.
70 people enjoyed the Camp facility.
Outcomes
The lead-up to the Aquarius 50 Celebrations, the Event and the time since have provided many opportunities for strong interaction, cultural enhancement and on-going positive connection with Widjabul Wiabul.
The young Dancers, descendants of the Elders present in 1973, have continued to learn, perform and connect with the traditions of their people that is creating a strong base for their future.
Social and Cultural enhancement continues amongst Widjabul Wiabul allowing for opportunites to strengthen health, economy and way of life.
It has been a great opportunity for us all to celebrate together, to continue to care for the country and each other in the spirit of Aquarius, in Peace, Health and Happiness. The Age of Humanity in its higher self.
We continue to give Respect for Widjabul Wiabul past, present and future and thank them for all.