WHILE Australia Day is a time of great celebration, for the nation's indigenous people it's a much more sombre occasion as they remember when their land was first settled by Europeans 224 years ago.
The Hills community will mark the event from the perspective of the indigenous community with the fifth annual Belgrave Survival Day event on January 26 at Borthwick Park, next to Belgrave Pool.
Survival Day organiser Davey Heller said the actions of the Europeans centuries ago had an enormous impact on the native Australian community. "It is important to give their perspective and celebrate the survival over 224 years...it is a day of mixed emotions."
Mr Heller said education was a "huge part of reconciliation" and people attending would get to experience traditional indigenous customs such as a smoking ceremony.
Activities everyone can take part in include a didgeridoo meditation, Aboriginal flag and badge making, traditional dancing and storytelling, and Koori basket weaving.
The event is getting more popular each year.
There will be performances by indigenous hip-hop artists Yung Warriors, as well as singer Lou Bennett.
Local historian Dr Gary Presland will give a talk on the day. Leila Gurruwiwi from the ABC program Marngrook Footy Show will MC the event.
Details: belgravesurvivalday.org.
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