When
05:20 AM - 05:50 AM
26 January 2023
Important Information
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First Nations at first light
Australia Day in Sydney started with a reflective moment to honour the nation’s traditional custodians. Held between 5:20am and sunrise, a First Nations artwork was projected onto the country’s most iconic canvas.
Hundreds of people gathered at vantage points around the harbour to pause, reflect and remember by viewing this powerful display on the Sydney Opera House.
The projection coincided with both the Australian National Flag and Australian Aboriginal Flag being raised on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a symbol of unity, recognition and inclusion. Since July 2022, the Australian Aboriginal Flag now flies permanently on the bridge beside the Australian National Flag.
About the artwork
Proud Kamilaroi woman Rhonda Sampson was commissioned to create the artwork for this year’s Dawn Reflection.
Titled 'Diyan Warrane,' the design represents the important role of First Nations’ women around the waters of Warrane (Sydney Harbour). These waters became known as the ‘women’s domain’, where Gadigal women would fish throughout the harbour home, from Me-Mel (Goat Island) to Ta-ra (Dawes Point).
The artwork honours four celebrated women of the Gadigal people, Boorong, Patygerang, Daringa, and Barangaroo, who were all very skilled fisherwomen with their own unique individual stories and contributions.
“The harbour has always been integral to the everyday lives of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation and it’s important we continue to share their stories. It is important will listen,” Ms Sampson said.
“It is important to me to share the Eel Dreaming Story of the Gadigal people of how the waterways of Warrane were formed, and how the Gadigal women used those waterways to fish and feed their people. They listened to the harbour, to Mother Earth – we all need to listen.
“I hope my artwork provides an opportunity for us to reflect on and learn about the connection Gadigal people have always had with the land and waters.
“Sharing these stories gives us time to reflect, learn and listen to everything we see on Gadigal country and the connection that exists between people, land and water."
