For the fifth consecutive year, SA Power Networks partnered with the Australia Day Council of South Australia to proudly support their Open Circle Discussion Group, who ensure Aboriginal peoples' voices and engagement with Australia Day in SA is given prominence.

The 2023 Australia Day Program was guided by two overarching themes, Belonging to Country, and Connecting to Nature, with a huge line up of events and activities held over two days, 25 and 26 January. 

We supported two of the program’s main events, the Tindo Utpurndee – Sunset Ceremony and Mourning in the Morning – Smoking Ceremony.  The introduction of Tindo Utpurndee – Sunset Ceremony, held on the evening of 25 January, was a welcomed edition to the program this year.

For the tens of thousands of people at Tarntanya Wama (Elder Park), the ceremony was a unique experience to watch Karl Winda Telfer, Senior Man, lead a series of ancient stories, dance and sharing of culture with the audience. 

The ceremony was an opportunity to invite all to learn about the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia, their connection to Country, stories, struggles and inspirational leaders that drive them today. 

On the morning of 26 January, thousands of people attended the Mourning in the Morning - Smoking Ceremony at Tarntanya Wama (Elder Park) for a genuine and meaningful opportunity for reconciliation, and to listen to First Nations leaders’ truth-telling of Australian history. 

The one-hour event welcomed all to listen, learn and pay respects with a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, speeches by First Nations leaders and representatives, and moving musical performances by the Iwiri Choir and Nancy Bates.

For the second year in a row, our very own Paul Sumner (Ngarrindjeri) was officially involved in the Smoking Ceremony, helping to stoke the fires.

Paul attended the ceremony with his family, including daughter Mia and son Cruz, and reflected that this year’s ceremony was more emotional for him than previous years. 

“As I mature as a proud Ngarrindjeri man learning more about my culture, taking this time to think about what my ancestors may have had to endure in the past does bring me great sadness,” said Paul. 

“Even though I realise that unfortunately we cannot change the things that happened in the past, seeing the impact that is still clearly relevant to our people, does makes me recognise that celebrating Australia Day may be more inclusive for all, if we did change the date so that we can celebrate all together. Purely celebrating for the reasons why most people do anyway - because Australia is the greatest country in the world, with the greatest people in the world. I hope we can find another date, rather than observing the landing of the First Fleet in 1788 which just drives a wedge and creates division between people across our country.”

Picture: SA Power Networks' Paul Sumner attended the Mourning in the Morning event with his children.

“Conversations do need to continue about Australia’s history and need to be acknowledged and talked about respectfully for what it was, good, bad, and ugly. That way through these conversations and understanding we can grow together as a nation.

“To be able to have my kids involved is important to me as a father, so that I can teach them about their culture. I want them to grow to be proud Indigenous Australian’s that respect our history and our people.”

The two-day program also featured many other events including the vibrant and colourful Respecting Country Parade and the Festival Centre Shells Soundscape. The Aus Lights on the River also made a return with the stories of the people and places of South Australia including First Nations and multi-cultural communities being shown to attendees.

The Australia Day Council of South Australia is just one of the many organisations we partner with that have activities, programs and events that help positively impact our community here in South Australia. 

Read about more ways we support the community.