Mirror flash shines a connection between two communities

The Mirror Flash is an annual Highlands event to acknowledge the Gundungurra land, pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging and partake in the flashing of the mirror across Gundungurra country to Leura in the Blue Mountains.

From Gibbergunyah, Leura appears on the far distant Northern horizon - 82km as the crow flies - and yet the mirror flash shines bright to remind us we are all on Gundungurra Land.

At nin garang thurree currobung (The Place between the Rocks), the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were raised.

Gundungurra Elder Aunty Trish Levett and Uncle Djon Mundine, conducted the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.

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The participants each placed a leaf in the fire, clapping white ochre into the air to call on the elders past, formed a circle and danced around the smoke.

This ceremony has occurred throughout Australia for thousands of years connecting us to sacred earth and the continuity of the Gundungurra culture.

Chair of Wingecarribee Reconciliation Group (WRG), Gus Johnson, explained the WRG vision and the exciting cause and work ahead to raise awareness and appreciation of Gundungurra culture and community.

Former chair and custodian of the event Kim Leevers then spoke to the history of the Koori Flagraising and Mirror Flash, which was commenced in 2002 by his late father-in-law legendary bushwalker Arthur Beasley and Senior Gundungurra elder, Aunty Val Mulcahy.

Last year was the first occasion in 20 years that the ceremony did not take place, due to Covid-19.

Kim then read the Burraga Gutya (aka Ken Canning) poem, "My Earth - My Mother," calling on all of us to honour and protect this land.

Kim noted that 2021 is the 30th Anniversary of the report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, yet since that time 474 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have died in custody, a rate 13 times the non-Aboriginal population; and that very few of the recommendations had ever been put into practice, especially such a simple thing as removing hanging points from holding cells.

The group then moved out to the Gibbergunyah Lookout and commenced the mirror flash to the Blue Mountains People for Reconciliation (BMPR), and Gundungurra community - Aunty Carol Cooper and others, who in turn flashed back to us.

Although the winds were strong and cold, the sky was clear and the clouds few, enabling the flashing of the mirrors to be seen at both ends, to the pleasure and amazement of the crowd.

"It was the best series of flashes we have ever had" said Lyn Bevington, convenor of the Leura group.

"It was seen so clearly from both ends, highlighting the vast extent of the Gundungurra lands" said Kim.

People then moved to shelter and enjoy a nourishing hot cup of tea, food and a yarning before heading back home.

Another wonderful day in the Gibbergunyah reserve, thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated.

Next years event will take place on Saturday, April 9. We look forward to seeing you or flashing to you then!

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