Smoking Ceremony

Uncle Mark Brown, Bunurong Elder and Senior Cultural Heritage Officer Welcomed us to his father’s Country, the Country of the Bunurong people whose land stretches from the Werribee River to Wilson’s Promontory and even to the Bass Straight Islands. 

He explained to us the significance of the Smoking Ceremony as both a way of welcoming people onto Country, using the specific foliage of the Manna Gum, Cherry Ballart and Silver and Black Wattle, but also its role in healing, utilising the components of the medicinal plants. 

Uncle Mark spoke strong and proud words and left us reflecting on the role we all have to play in Reconciliation as asked us to treat each other with respect and to look after the beautiful Bunurong Country we live, work, rest and play on.