Treaty Day Out a "deadly" success
Marlon x Rulla on stage at Treaty Day Out. Picture: TIFF GARVIE
5 October 2022 at 1:41 pm
First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, which organised the event, is “on the cusp” of a landmark agreement with the state government.
Treaty Day Out, the “biggest, blakest music festival” on Victoria’s calendar saw thousands of mob and allies rock out on Dja Dja Wurrung Country to an all-First Nations line-up on Saturday.
Approximately 3000 people attended the Treaty Day Out concert in Bendigo to see a star-studded line up including Briggs, Dan Sultan, Kee’anh, No Fixed Address, Bumpy, Scott Darlow and more.
The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, which organised the festival, is the elected voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Victorian Treaty process.
“It was an amazing event. It was just wonderful to yarn with so many people and feel the support and excitement building for Treaty. I had a deadly time, loved every minute of it,” said Bangerang and Wiradjuri Elder and co-chair of the Assembly, Aunty Geraldine Atkinson.
Addressing the crowd on Saturday, Aunty Geraldine explained how the Assembly is close to reaching an historic agreement with the state government that will facilitate the start of Treaty negotiations for the first time ever, saying “Treaty [is] finally within reach”.
“It shows what can be done when we work together constructively. When we think of what is best for our people. When we focus on building collective structures so our people will always have the power to protect our culture and our Country and we can all get on with strengthening our communities,” said Aunty Geraldine.
Watch Aunty Geraldine’s full speech from Treaty Day Out here.
Check out all the action below, snapped by photographer Tiff Garvie.
Briggs takes to the stage.
The event also featured cultural workshops.
Dan Sultan in his element.
Madi Colville-Walker keeps the crowd hyped.
An emotional performance by Nooky.
Scott Darlow was another featured act.
Some of the Treaty Day Out crowd enjoying the atmosphere.
The Welcome to Country was conducted by Wulumbarra Dancers.
