Wagga Wagga Gathers

Led by local Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri Elders and First Nations peoples, and supported by Wagga Wagga City Council, the community came together on Friday 13 February to mark the 18th anniversary of the National Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples.

The commemoration began at Wollundry Lagoon with a cleansing smoking ceremony led by Cultural Knowledge Holder Luke Wighton. The ceremony provided a powerful moment of reflection and connection to Country.

The gathering then continued at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, where First Nations community members shared personal reflections, alongside moving performances by local youth dancers.

Together, the community honoured the strength, resilience and enduring spirit of the Stolen Generations and First Nations peoples, while acknowledging the ongoing impacts that continue to be felt across generations.

Bettrina Stewart | Aboriginal School & Community Officer