A community vigil in recognition of Indigenous culture in the Lower Hunter and around the country packed the natural amphitheatre of King Edward Park Tuesday evening, as speakers in turns mourned the devastating impact of colonialism on their heritage and celebrated the resilience and diversity of ancient and living culture.
The event, inspired by a similar vigil held at Sydney annually for the past four years, was hosted by the Univeristy of Newcastle in partnership with Awabakal Ltd and supported by Newcastle council, and was billed as a "time for listening and quiet reflection through the sharing of stories, knowledge and culture".
More than 1800 people had registered online to attend the event, organisers said, as countless families gathered on the lawn to hear from professors of the university, community members and students, and take in performance, stories, and music on the eve of January 26.
