Tarwirri Celebrates its 20 Year Anniversary
On 28 November 2023, Tarwirri members and supporters gathered together to commemorate two decades of Tarwirri. The celebration took place at the Melbourne Town Hall and commenced with a heartful smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country conducted by Wurundjeri man Daniel Ross.
Over twenty years ago, while Uncle Andrew Jackomos was the Director of the Koori Justice Unit in the Department of Justice and Community Safety of Victoria, he recognised that there was a strong need for an association dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in law to be established in Victoria. With great thanks and gratitude to Uncle Andrew, and the many others who supported the initiative, Tarwirri was then formed as part of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement.
Tarwirri’s first president was president was Uncle Hans Bokelund, who is now the Associate Deputy Secretary of Aboriginal Economic Development in the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.
Speeches during the night were made by Uncle Andrew Jackomos, Her Honour Magistrate Abigal Burchill, Victorian Barrister Tim Goodwin and Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Justice Nina Taylor.
The deadly MC was Matthew Karakoulakis, Tarwirri member and AMK Law principal lawyer, and there were incredible performances by Djirri Djirri dance group, Kokatha/Gunditjmara singer Uncle David Arden and Yorta Yorta, Wiradjurri South Sea Islander DJ Kidd Benny.
In the closing addresses, Tarwirri President Andrew Williams and Executive Officer Tekan Cochrane thanked the Victorian government's Koori Justice Unit for its continuous support over the decades, noting that it is crucial for providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lawyers and students with the support they need to thrive in the justice space and in the legal profession.
Photos by T J Garvie Photography.
