Pilk Purriyn means “sunrise” in the language of the Wadawurrung People, the Traditional Owners and first people of the land where this event is taking place.

The choice of holding the event at sunrise is a deliberate decision to symbolise the dawning of a new era of understanding and Reconciliation between all people in the community.

This event is an opportunity for First Nations and non-First Nations people to gather together and acknowledge the learned history and to deep listen.

Whether it is referred to as Survival Day, Invasion Day or the National Day of Mourning – as it was back on the 26th of January 1938, when Aboriginal People formally protested about the “seizure of our country” and “callous treatment of our people” – January 26 is an important date in Australia’s history.

It marks the day that the First Fleet landed at Sydney Cove and raised the Union Jack flag to claim ownership of Australia on behalf of Britain.

Many Australians are ready to learn the truth about what has happened since that day by acknowledging that genocide and colonisation are actually a large part of the history of this nation since 1788.

Pilk Purriyn is an event that invites you to listen, reflect and understand why this is not the date to celebrate.

Read more about the 1938 Day of Mourning

The event generally involves a Welcome to Country Ceremony and Smoking Ceremony, and speakers engaging in truth-telling about the history of the First People of the land and the terrible injustices they have experienced, and continue to experience, since settlement and colonisation.

There is also Cultural dance and song.

The first Pilk Purriyn truth-telling event was held at 5:30am on 26 January 2023 and it has been staged each year since. 

This event is on Wadawurrung Country. 

Read more about the Wadawurrung People and their history

Yes, everyone is welcome to attend the Pilk Purriyn event.

In the words of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners: “koling-wada-ngal” let’s walk together.

The Pilk Purriyn event begins each year with a Welcome to Country Ceremony and Smoking Ceremony by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.

During the Welcome to Country ceremony everyone is invited to quietly gather and listen as Wadawurrung Traditional Owner/s formally and traditionally welcome everyone to their land.

During the Smoking Ceremony,Traditional Owner/s create smoke from damp eucalyptus leaves. Smoking ceremonies are an important ritual that promotes healing and cleansing.

Read more about Smoking Ceremonies

In their book Nganga: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Words and Phrases, authors Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson define an Elder as: “a highly respected person in Aboriginal communities and the custodian, or caretaker, of a clan’s knowledge and lore….As a sign of respect, male Elders are called Uncle, and females, Aunty. Elders have permission to share cultural matters where necessary. In Aboriginal culture, Elder is spelled with a capital letter.”

In September 2021, Surf Coast Shire Council made the commitment to no longer participate in any celebrations marking Australia Day. 

Read Council's statement

Bookings are not essential, but registration is appreciated.

Registration links are published in the lead-up to the event each year.

Pilk Purriyn generally begins at 5:30am and concludes at approximately 7am.

• A picnic rug (if you don't want to sit on the grass)
• Your “keep cup” if you plan to purchase a hot beverage.
• A warm jacket, even in summer it can be chilly at sunrise.
• A torch (or use torch function on your phone) because the event starts at 5:30am, just before sunrise.
• Please note, if you need a seat, low festival chairs only are suitable for this event. If you have accessibility concerns please get it touch via email: pilk-purriyn@surfcoast.vic.gov.au

Parking is available along Anzac Parade, Point Danger and Voss car park.

Parking for people with disabilities, VIP’s and Emergency Services will be available at the Cosy Corner car park, off The Esplanade.

The friendly staff from Indigenous-owned Larrakia Bilirra traffic management provide guidance to traffic.

Please allow plenty of time to find a carpark and walk safely to the event site at Cosy Corner.

First Nations owned and operated hot beverage van Blak Brews are on site selling their native blend teas and ethically sourced coffee. 

Please bring along your own “keep cup” if possible, so that we can help minimise waste.

No, attendees are asked to please put away their phone so that they can be fully present during the event.

Wadawurrung People share stories during the event and theirs is an oral tradition which is not to be recorded without permission. Their knowledge and stories have always been passed down from person to person. They did not need to be written down or recorded.

We ask that everyone shows respect by deeply listening and refraining from taking photos or video of this event.

Yes, this is a family friendly event.

Speakers at this event engage in truth-telling about actual things that happened to their Ancestors, Elders, family members, or themselves.

If you would like some help in explaining the nature of this event to children, there are several fantastic books available at your local bookshop or library.

Find books discussing 26 January

There are public toilets on site at Cosy Corner Beach.

This is an outdoor event at Cosy Corner Beach, which is not currently an accessible beach.

This event is held on uneven ground, consisting of grass and dirt. We recommend anyone who may find the terrain or lighting difficult to arrive early with a support person if required.

The event begins when it is still dark. Event marshals will be in place to help light the way, but please bring your own torch. 

If you have accessibility requirements, please email pilk-purriyn@surfcoast.vic.gov.au and we will endeavour to assist.

No sorry, with the exception of Guide or Assistance Dogs, please don’t bring your dog to this event.

Cosy Corner Beach is a dog-free area

In the case of very wet or dangerous weather conditions the Pilk Purriyn event will not go ahead.

This decision to cancel the event will be made the day before and publicised via the websites and social media channels of the Surf Coast Shire Council and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

Please register so we can contact you directly as well.

In the event of a catastrophic fire risk day the Pilk Purriyn event will not go ahead.

This decision to cancel the event will be made the day before and publicised via the websites and social media channels of the Surf Coast Shire Council and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

Please register so we can contact you directly as well.

No, this event will not be live streamed or recorded. It is an in-person event, meant to be experienced in real time.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners will be sharing ceremony, knowledge and stories as part of their oral tradition.

Everyone is invited to listen deeply and show respect by being present and in the moment.

Pilk Purriyn is a deep listening event as Wadawurrung Traditional Owners share knowledge, story and truth-telling -- it is most important that attendees can hear the proceedings.

While there will be a screen, we invite attendees to connect with the natural beauty of the Pilk Purriyn (sunrise) over Warri (salt water), symbolising the dawning of a new era of understanding and Reconciliation between all people in the community.

Wadawurrung People will be engaged in dance during parts of the event. This is their cultural practice, rather than a show everyone must watch.

If you are not able to see the screen or speaker, please note that all speakers will be able to be clearly heard across the site, thanks to an excellent sound system.