The Meeting of the Two Cultures ceremony commemorating the 245th anniversary of the landing of Lieutenant James Cook was held this morning, April 29, at Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell.
A replica of Cook’s ship HMS Endeavour was moored offshore from the spot where he stepped ashore.
The ceremony opened with a performance by the Descendance Aboriginal dance group before Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation elder Deanna Schreiber gave the traditional Welcome to Country.
Sutherland Shire mayor Kent Johns described Cook’s landing and the first meeting of indigenous Australians and Europeans as a turning point in Australian history.
Cronulla MP and Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Mark Speakman, said the anniversary should be used for Australians to reaffirm their commitment to reverse the wrongs of the past, celebrate the achievements of their cultures and continue to develop their vision for a positive, shared future.
How do you think the 250th anniversary of James Cook’s landing should be marked in 2020?
