Dhuluny Conference
On 15 and 16 August over 300 people gathered at Charles Sturt University for a conference. The development of the conference was led by the Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation with the assistance of Dr Mark Nolan (the then Director of the Centre for Law and Justice) and other CSU staff.
Keynote speakers included:
Dinawan Dyirribang Uncle Bill Allen
Bathurst-based Wiradyuri Elder and Traditional Owner; Direct Descendant of Wiinymaldhaany (Wiindhuraydhine, Windradyne, Fire-maker); Elder-in-Residence, Charles Sturt University.
Wirribee Aunty Leanna Carr-Smith
Bathurst-based Wiradyuri Elder and Traditional Owner; Elder-in-Residence and Scholarly Teaching Fellow, School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University.
Yanhadarrambal Uncle Jade Flynn
Bathurst-based Wiradyuri Elder; Elder-in-Residence, Charles Sturt University.
Lynda-June Coe, a proud Wiradjuri and Torres Strait Islander woman, activist, academic and PhD candidate (Macquarie University).
Professor Marcia Langton AO, an anthropologist and geographer, and since 2000 has held the Foundation Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies at the University of Melbourne.
A range of other speakers presented at the conference (click the link to see the program and bios) and participants were treated to poetry and a cappella performance. After each day a cleansing smoking was provided to allow attendees to wash away the heaviness of the days.
Conference feedback is still being sought here. Some of the initial feedback includes:
“The conference was an excellent example of dealing with a confronting issue, but in a sensitive understanding way. It introduced many people to a part of Australian history that is not readily understood, and it aligned perfectly with the Acknowledgement of the 200th anniversary of the declaration of martial law in the region in 1824. It has also initiated an opportunity for the community to undertake truth telling in a climate of awareness and understanding, with the benefit of the knowledge made available through the conference and other associated activities.” - David Sherley, General Manager Bathurst Regional Council
“It was special! Best conference I have gone to. It felt safe, powerful and magic. There was an energy that is hard to articulate. I learnt so much”, Nathan mudyi Sentance
“It was amazing. One of the best educational experience I have had, and I am a teacher. The subject matter was the most compelling part and the variety of topics within the central thread. I found each presentation extremely valuable and was enamoured with every part of the experience. I can see room for linking to other forms of knowledge in the arts and humanities and tech as a way to grow it in the future. Yindyamarra and maandang” - Timothy Doyle
“The conference was inspirational, powerful and educational. The range of topics covered was broad and interesting with engaging speakers. The venue was good, the book shop was a great addition.” - Victoria Murray
Photos by Greer Films
