On Saturday 24 June, the Sutherland Shire Canoe Club hosted the inaugural PaddleNSW First Nations Round of our annual Marathon Series on the Woronora River, a waterway of significance to the Dharawal speaking people.
Through our Reconciliation Action Plan, PNSW is committed to greater promotion and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the sport of paddling. PNSW hopes that it is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
We’re proud to have worked with Indigenous artist Kate Forbes-Walker and the Malang Indigenous Corporation to produce commemorative caps and banners to mark the occasion.
Thank you to PaddleNSW Indigenous Advisor, Biripi man, Darren Forbes and PNSW Board Member and VP of SSCC, Annette Mathews for being the driving force behind this event. Darren welcomed paddlers to the event in Dharawal language and Annette spoke about the significance of the park and its namesake Aboriginal activist, actor, and author Burnum Burnum.
Contact PaddleNSW if you want to learn more about this event or our Reconciliation Action Plan – https://nsw.paddle.org.au/indigenous-resources