Reconciliation Action Plan News 

Last Thursday September 1 a special Smoking ceremony was offered by palawa staff member Jamie Graham-Blair for family, staff and guests attending the funeral service of our beloved friend, teacher, coach and mentor, Mr Mark Waddington. The ceremony was offered before and after the Funeral Service to honour Mr Waddington's commitment to reconciliation, healthy country, Aboriginal culture, justice, and truth which he embodied throughout his life, in both his words and in his deeds. The Smoking ceremony was held in the Children’s Peace Garden at the entrance to the school and was available to all who felt drawn to a traditional palawa smoke cleansing during this sad and difficult time. 

Aboriginal Smoking ceremonies are customary for times of grief and community gathering and involve the burning of green leaves from medicinal totem plants which not only physically and spiritually help cleanse us of illness and stress but offer space for grounding and calm around a healing fire. Ceremonies like these have long helped remind palawa of the deep kinship to the living world around and within us, but also the communities we rely upon during periods of hardship. In honouring a man like Mr Waddington, who embodied the true meaning of the word community, it was a beautiful and powerful experience for many, even as the rain and temperature fell throughout the afternoon, the fire and smoke continued to provide comfort, warmth, and healing. We thank Jamie for leading us in this ceremony, and also Mr Waddington's many Aboriginal friends whose presence and care helped to make this space so special.