Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna - Sit. Listen. Hear. Remember.

Published on 13 January 2026

Moyne Shire Council, in partnership with Aboriginal community members, invites the community to attend Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna - Sit. Listen. Hear. Remember, a reflection and healing gathering centered on listening, truth-telling and coming together on Country.

The event will take place on Sunday 25 January 2026 at East Beach, Port Fairy, with this year’s gathering guided by the theme of Treaty (Gellung Warl).

Community members are welcome to arrive from 4:30pm to share a free bush food barbecue by Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Co-operative, with the official ceremony commencing at 5:00pm. The program will include a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, yarning and live music.

Respected cultural leader Uncle Michael “Mookeye” Bell, a Gunditjmara and Boandik man and representative on the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, will share reflections through yarning on Treaty - what it means, why it matters and how listening and understanding support healing and stronger relationships.

The gathering will also feature a contribution from Richard Frankland, a Gunditjmara storyteller, playwright, musician and filmmaker, whose work has long centred on truth-telling and who has contributed to conversations connected to Victoria’s Treaty journey.

The name Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna - Sit. Listen. Hear. Remember. reflects the spirit of the gathering and the importance of listening deeply, acknowledging truth and walking together toward a shared future.

The event is hosted by Moyne Shire Council in partnership with Aboriginal community members. All are welcome to attend.

Event details

Sunday 25 January 2026
Free bush food barbecue from 4:30pm
Official ceremony commences at 5:00pm
East Beach grassed area
Beach Street, Port Fairy

Note: in case of inclement weather the event will take place at the Port Fairy Yacht Club, 1 Griffiths Street, Port Fairy.