Community unites for Pilk Purriyn

Published on 26 January 2026

People came from far and wide to gather before sunrise on Wadawurrung Country in Torquay today, January 26, for Pilk Purriyn – sunrise, a powerful truth-telling event led by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners in collaboration with Geelong and Surf Coast First Nations communities.

For the fourth year, Warri Dja – Sea Country – at Cosy Corner, provided a timeless and deeply meaningful setting as First Nations People shared ceremony, truth, reflections, and song inviting all to deepen their understanding of what January 26 means for First Nations people.

Hosted by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, with support from Surf Coast Shire Council and Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, Pilk Purriyn offered a space for people from all backgrounds to come together in quiet reflection, deep listening and healing.

Proceedings included a Welcome to Country, Smoking and Dance ceremonies, singing in Wadawurrung Language, and truth-telling by First Nations People.

Stolen Generations survivor, Aunty Colleen Howell’s story was shared by her daughters, who also shared story through song. The audience learned more about the deep harm, devastation and loss experienced through colonisation, and sat respectfully hearing about the survival and resilience of First Nations people and the enduring strength of a culture that has thrived for tens of thousands of years. Their truth-telling adds another chapter to this event, which began in 2023.

The morning concluded with the crowd dancing together to Yothu Yindi’s ‘Treaty’ - a moment of joy marking the Statewide Treaty announced in Victoria’s Parliament last year, and recognising the continued dedication of First Nations Peoples to making Treaty a reality.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation extends sincere gratitude to the following organisations for their support of Pilk Purriyn 2026: Barwon Water, Cotton On Foundation, Deakin Centre for Marine Science, Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong Port, Give Where You Live, GMHBA, Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice, Patagonia, Rip Curl and Surf Coast Shire Council – which enables us to continue this important event and uphold our Cultural responsibilities.

Wadawurrung Woman and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation Co-Chief Executive Officer Bek Devlin:

“Pilk Purriyn is always such a powerful and deeply moving event - an opportunity for people to hear firsthand the devastating and ongoing impacts colonisation has had on First Nations people.

“Wurdi Nyatne (big thanks) to our Wadawurrung Family, the Howell Family and all Mob who were part of Pilk Purriyn 2026, for your bravery and openness to share these truths.

“The huge number of people who make a conscious effort to rise early on a public holiday and join us for this event shows there is genuine support, and indeed a deep yearning for reconciliation in this country. That you can still be proud and love your country, while holding great sorrow for the way our nation came to be.

“We step into the future with hope and purpose, working towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all Australians. This is a shared journey to reconciliation, a path we all walk together.”

Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Libby Stapleton:

“We thank Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, First Nations community members and all presenters for their strength and grace in sharing Pilk Purriyn with our wider community and many visitors.

“The event reaches us in a way that few other events can, and it was heartening to see so many people there acknowledging truths and absorbing Culture.

“We come away grateful for deeper understanding and greater resolve to walk alongside First Nations people in spirit of recognition and healing.”