Williamstown little athletes took time out from a busy track and field schedule at the weekend to connect with the Indigenous heritage of the local area by taking part in an ancient smoking ceremony.
Boon Wurrung descendant David Tournier presided over the ceremony on Saturday, October 21, delivering a Welcome to Country before approximately 300 members of the local athletics community.
Mr Tournier delivered a message about difference and commonality, saying that while we all come from different backgrounds and cultures, it’s what brings us together that matters.
A smoking ceremony is a tradition practised by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to cleanse spirit, and encourage good health and wellbeing. The ceremonies are regarded as an important part of connecting people to Country, promoting goodwill, and providing time and space for reflection.
Williamstown Little Athletics Centre’s child safety and inclusion officer Rohan Chiu said the ceremony had been embraced by athletes and their families, which included descendants from the Boon Wurrung peoples.
“The Hobsons Bay area has a rich history dating back thousands of years to the Yalukit-willam people, which means ‘river camp’ or ‘river dwellers’,” he said.
“Taking part in this ceremony has provided the opportunity to stop and reflect on all that came before us, who we are now as a community, and what we hope to achieve both as individuals and collectively, over the coming season and beyond.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to David Tournier for hosting the ceremony at the track and providing an official Welcome to Country.”
The event was organised by the Williamstown Little Athletics Centre, with members of the Williamstown Athletic Club and Hobsons Bay Runners also in attendance.
Williamstown is one of the fastest-growing little athletics centres across the state and more than 300 local athletes have signed up so far to participate in the 2023/24 season, which commenced earlier this month. New members are still welcome to join.
