Organisers hope to remember Mr Mandela, who died on December 5, through “words acknowledging his inspiring journey and singing, dancing, and celebration”.

“We join together, embracing difference, to honour the man who has led South Africa into freedom and peace,” one of the event’s organisers Arati George said. 

“We honour his selflessness and ability to move on from bitterness, his steadfast devotion to what he believed to be in the best interests of all, and his courage and faith.

“We also take this opportunity to take Mandela’s message of harmony to heart and revitalise our determination for reconciliation in Australia, between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians,” Ms George said. 

The event starts at 3pm at the Susan Haris Hall at Mumbulla School.

Participants are asked to bring a plate to share and give a small donation to cover hall hire. 

Paying respect to fellow Elder

By Colleen Dixon, Djiringanj and Ngarigo Elder

AS A Djiringanj and Ngarigo Tribal Elder I wish to acknowledge and pay respect to the passing of another Tribal Elder, the late Nelson Mandela.

There is not much more that I can add to the many speeches of adoration and reflection of Mandela’s life since the world learned of his passing on to his next journey within this universe, except to say that great people such as Mandela do not leave things undone.

Mandela’s spirit lives on and will continue to live on while ever good people reject inequality, racism and colonialism.

I say this because Nelson Mandela understood that the original people of this land also have difficult challenges dealing with racist colonialism.

The Djiringanj and Ngarigo people offer their sincerest and deepest sympathies and condolences to Nelson Mandela’s family, his tribe and the people of South Africa.