History again honoured through ‘Meeting of Two Cultures’ event

A defining moment in Australian history has once again been remembered with Sutherland Shire Council’s annual ‘Meeting of Two Cultures’ event, providing an opportunity for attendees to reflect on the place and the people who were part of the first contact between Europeans and the First Nations peoples of Australia’s east coast.

The anniversary of the landing of the HMB Endeavour on the shores of what is now Kamay Botany Bay National Park – culminating in contact being established between the ship’s crew and the region’s traditional owners, the Gweagal community of the Dharawal speaking Nation – has long been honoured by the Sutherland Shire community.

With this year marking 255 years since the landing occurred, the longstanding ‘Meeting of Two Cultures’ event has once again served to focus local attention on the significance of this first cultural exchange, highlighting the perspectives of both members of the Endeavour crew and that of the Gweagal community and their continued connection to the land on which the Sutherland Shire sits.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Jack Boyd, said he was incredibly proud of the way the Sutherland Shire community continued to engage with the occasion, taking the opportunity to respectfully reflect on events which had played out locally 255 years ago and their enduring importance as part of our shared history.

“Each year the ‘Meeting of Two Cultures’ event seems to grow in prominence and popularity, with more people coming together to acknowledge the unique role the Sutherland Shire has played in our nation’s history,” Mayor Boyd said.

“It’s fantastic to see local residents, descendants of both the Endeavour crew and the Dharawal people who stood on this land 255 years ago once again come together to share their perspectives on this historic first meeting and celebrate our shared heritage.

“The enduring historical significance of this moment drew international attention last year with return of four Gweagal Spears to the traditional owners from whom they were taken in 1770. This long-awaited return paves the way for the eventual return to Country of this hugely important artefacts which provide a tangible link to this moment in our history.

“I’d once again like to thank all those who gathered to make this event such a huge success, and for the respectful way our community continues to engage with our shared history.”

This year’s ‘Meeting of Two Cultures’ event was again well attended by local community members and school children who enjoyed a series of performances and cultural demonstrations by local indigenous Elders, including traditional shell making and weaving techniques, cultural dance workshops by Gamay Dancers and art making activities, as well as vocal performances by Sutherland Children’s Choir and acclaimed singers Olivia Fox and Cianna Walker.