The WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo Reserve is a significant element of the Australia Day program which continues to remind people that regardless of how you mark our national day, Australia’s First Nations people are the foundation of our nation’s story and continue to maintain the world's oldest living culture.

WugulOra is an important way of passing down culture as the core elements of music, dance, language and ceremony are at the heart of the event.

The community is given the opportunity to reflect on our history, learn more and understand traditions, culture, history and heritage. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are resilient and have endured incredible hardship over many years, yet their rich culture has not only survived, it is respected and celebrated. 

The traditional custodians on the land on which we gather, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation are honoured at the WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo.

WugulOra, meaning ‘One Mob’, is a special moment to begin Australia Day and the Smoking Ceremony flame recognises the survival of the world’s oldest culture, burning through the night on Me-Mel, also known as Goat Island, before travelling to Barangaroo on Australia Day.

Not only a time to reflect, it is a time to listen as local elders speak of the strength and resilience of Australia’s First Nations people. Dancers and singers deliver memorable performances, including the Koomurri Aboriginal Dancers and the national anthem is sung in both English and Eora.

The WugulOra Morning Ceremony will be taking place on Australia Day 2021 at Barangaroo Reserve. Due to COVID-19, this event is now a free ticketed event that members of the public will need to register for. 

WugulOra will also be broadcast live on ABC TV from 7.30am to 8.30am on Tuesday 26 January 2021 and on ABC iview. Please check in again in January 2021 for more details at www.australiaday.com.au and sign up to our newsletter for updates.

Runtime: 45 mins