Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony

The best way to convey this experience is through the words of Year 11 student Charlotte, who welcomed our community and introduced Dr Mandy.

“As we gather here this morning in Belgrave, I would like to acknowledge that we are meeting on Wurundjeri Country and thank them for caring for the land, waterways, and skies where we live, learn, and play for over 65,000 years. We promise to continue to take care of Country every day.

My name is Charlotte, and my mob are the Palawa people of Tasmania. I also acknowledge my Hungarian and Romanian heritage, which I am equally proud of and which makes me who I am today. Standing with me is my friend Mia, who acknowledges her mob, the Biripi people of Port Macquarie, and her proud Irish background. We pay our respects to any Elders past, present, and any First Nations people who may be with us today.

Our people, and your First Nations brothers and sisters, are the oldest living culture in the world. This is something we should all take pride in. I encourage everyone to be brave in learning about our culture. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if the answers might be difficult to hear. Learning about the true history of where you live, no matter how hard the truth might be, is essential. It is through understanding and acknowledging this history that we can find the power to create meaningful change.

Remember, the power of change lies in what we do once we learn the truth.

This morning, I am honoured to welcome a proud Wurundjeri-willam Elder, Dr. Mandy Nicholson. Dr. Mandy will be conducting a Welcome to Country for us. Mater Christi would like to express our gratitude for you sharing your culture with us today and for welcoming us to your Country.

As a Traditional Custodian, Dr. Mandy is able to perform a Welcome to Country as she is a Wurundjeri Elder performing a welcome on Wurundjeri land. Dr. Mandy Nicholson is a Wurundjeri-willam (Wurundjeri-baluk patriline) artist, the founder, singer, and songwriter of the Djirri Djirri dance group, and a Traditional Owner/Custodian of Melbourne and surrounds. She also has connections to the Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai Illam Wurrung language groups of the Central/Eastern Kulin Nation on her father’s side and German heritage on her mother’s side.

Dr. Mandy has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Aboriginal Archaeology, is a Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language expert, and is a cultural mentor to young Indigenous girls through learning and teaching of culture, language, dance, and ceremony. She also holds a PhD in how Aboriginal people connect to Country, off Country.

Mandy you are a true role model who shows young Aboriginal girls that we are enough—worthy, capable, and destined for greatness. We are the creators of our own path, and the world has no limits for us, so thank you." - Charlotte