Ganbu Gulin: One Mob

Premiere screening of Ganbu Gulin: One Mob, telling the story of Darebin's decision to cease national celebrations on 26 January

Join us for a the premiere of this important documentary. Ganbu Gulin: One Mob tells the story of Darebin Councils’ decision to cease observing January 26 as Australia Day, and the evolution of an inclusive event that provides a platform for traditional owners to welcome new citizens in their own way. This moving film documents the thoughts and feelings of those at the centre of this historic decision.

Following the screening, stick around for a live music and a panel discussion with filmmakers Benjamin Theodore Pederick and Daniel King (Goodmorningbeautiful Films) and the Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Please note that this event strictly complies with COVID safe regulations and can be enjoyed by all attending.

"We had a Council that listened, that had taken on board and that had a great deal of empathy towards the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander saying that this day (January 26) is a day of pain."

— Charles Pakana, Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee

"When I see people celebrating on that (January 26) day, it tells me that I'm not Australian because I don't celebrate on that day. I don't see myself as Australian on Australia Day."

— Ellie-Jean Singh, Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee

"We are part of history."

— Aunty Erica Higgins, Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee

"January 26 is indelibly tied to the dispossession and subsequent oppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and our council cannot ignore the exclusion this entails and the impact it has on the health and wellbeing of our Indigenous community."

— Kim Le Cerf, former City of Darebin Mayor.

Background

On January 26 1938, the first Day of Mourning was held by a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people protesting the 150th anniversary of British Colonisation of Australia. Since then, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to protest on January 26, which was established as ‘Australia Day’ in 1993.

Knowing the potential backlash from Federal Government in 2017, the City of Darebin decided to answer the call of the Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee and voted to mark January 26 as the day of British invasion and furthermore, to cancel Australia Day celebrations in respect of the mourning, grief and loss experienced every day by the valued First Nations community of Darebin. In a historic stand, the City Council calls for justice, healing and respectful reconciliation for all Indigenous and non-Indigenous people living on the lands now known as Australia.

Darebin City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners and custodians of their land and pays respect to their Elders past and present. Darebin City Council would like to thank all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whom were part of the making of this film.

BENJAMIN THEODORE PEDERICK, FILM MAKER

Ben has directed and produced award winning films, television and digital features for broadcasters including National Geographic, Al Jazeera, Radio Free Asia, Discovery, Foxtel, as well as Australia’s public and free to air stations. He has directed and produced multiple series and documentary investigations that have spanned the world, and is adept at planning and executing projects in multiple countries.

From Botswana’s Bushmen to the Tibetan Champa, from homelessness on the streets of Australia, to refugees fleeing their homes in Indonesia, Syria and Turkey, Ben’s work is always inspired by human diversity, and by the power of stories.

DANIEL KING, FILM MAKER

Descendent of the Yuin and Awabakal nations Daniel is a filmmaker that works in both factual and narrative forms as director but is also a skill camera operator and editor.

In 2001, Daniel graduated from RMIT with an Advanced diploma in Video Production and his final year film ‘Mirror Images’ starring Aaron Pedersen was selected for screening a numerous film festivals including the Tadawali Awards and the Rotterdam film festival. Daniel also has Masters of Film and TV in directing drama at the Victorian Collage of the Arts (University of Melbourne).

Daniel directed his first TV documentary with John Harding titled “The Fitzroy Stars” for the ABC program Message Stick in 2006. Daniel has since made numerous documentaries both nationally and internationally for broadcast including a feature length documentary titled Trading Cultures, broadcast by NITV /SBS.

Daniel has won a number of awards including NIMA for best music video 2018.

Event & ticketing details

Accessibility

Auslan Interpreted

Wheelchair Access

Relaxed Performance

Closed Caption

Dates & Times

Documentary Screening, Q&A Panel Discussion and Live Music

Saturday 13 March - 4.00-6.00pm

Location

Preston City Hall

284 Gower St, Preston VIC 3072

Get directions

Train

Preston Station

Bus

Routes 552, 553

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