Georges River Council will host a special Harmony Day Cook Up at Carss Bush Park on Saturday 21 March. This event recognises the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Harmony Day) as an important opportunity to come together to denounce racism and celebrate the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge and skills.
The event will run from 11.00am to 1.00pm at the picnic area between the Life Saving Hall and the beach. It will be hosted by Uncle Dean Kelly, a Yuin/Wailwan man and respected local Knowledge Holder, together with Koori Kinnections.
Attendees will begin the day with a yarning circle to foster connection, respect, and meaningful conversations grounded in inclusion and truth. Uncle Dean will share some of his knowledge about Aboriginal hunting and fishing practices, including the cultural importance of bark canoes.
Koori Kinnections will show traditional Aboriginal cooking methods. Then, everyone will enjoy a shared lunch that celebrates native ingredients. The event is for 30 participants only. This keeps the experience intimate and meaningful for all.
To complement this experience, Council is teaming up with Paddle Australia. They're offering the community a free canoe, kayak, or paddle board session at Carss Bush Park on the same day. Attendees will be able to access Paddle Australia's booking link via Council's What's On page.
Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said the Harmony Day Cook Up brings the community together to learn and celebrate cultural diversity.
"Harmony Day reminds us of the strength that comes from respecting and learning from one another."
"This event lets our community hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge holders. It also helps us connect with local culture meaningfully," said Mayor Borg.
"I encourage residents to join us for this special day of learning, sharing, and celebrating the rich traditions that make our area so unique."
To learn more and book your spot, visit Council's What's On page.
