Belgrave Survival Day is an annual event that was held on January 26th (Invasion Day) and presents an opportunity for people in the area to celebrate the survival of Australian Indigenous people, their culture and heritage.  After much reflection, consultation and conversation the BSD Committee and our partners we have the made the decision to change our event to Sunday March 12, 2023.

Sunday March 12, 2023  Borthwick Park, Belgrave (Naarm) After 15 years, Belgrave Survival Day is changing the date of our Festival in 2023.  After much reflection, consultation and conversation the BSD Committee and our partners we have the made the decision to change our event to Sunday March 12, 2023.  This decision however reflects the overwhelming response we received from our local Indigenous community that we engaged with and partners who want the choice to acknowledge January 26th in their own way. This years festival will be a scaled back festival, small in size, but bigger in heart and impact. The festival will continue to feature live music, ceremony, dance, storytelling, market stalls and education offerings, all in support of our First People's and their ongoing connection to culture and place. Please save the date in your diary, and keep your eyes peeled for full program announcement soon!. Follow the survival day story and updates via Facebook or via Instagram Our heart felt thanks to Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place for their support. A very special thank you to Aunty Irene Norman for all of her hard work, support and wisdom. Our Elders are our foundations. 💪🏽   Always was and always will be.

 

  

The Story

Belgrave Survival Day was first held on January 26th 2008. The event was started by a small group of local hills residents. It was held out the back of the Cameo Cinema. The only Indigenous act in the first year was a dance troupe from Healesville.

The event moved in 2011 to its current location at Borthwick Park Reserve in Belgrave.

BSD has become a prominent annual fixture of the Dandenong Ranges community, where it regularly attracts 2000-3000 attendees, featuring several entertainment acts, with stalls featuring vendors (food, drink, books, merchandise, information, community groups and Indigenous sector organizations).

 

COMMITTEE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We are looking for committed, passionate people to become committee members from July 1st 2020. All roles are in a volunteer capacity. A few of the roles are filled by current committee members but flexible - if you are interested in one specific role (or would be keen to do one of a number of roles), then let us know!

Ideally committee should be comprised of at least 7 active members – each of whom take on an area of responsibility. Certain roles will be shared as required.

For full details about how to get involved click here

 

Belgrave Survival Day volunteer call out

Ever wanted to be apart of something great? Here's your chance.

Belgrave Survival Day is on again in 2022. Each year we try to make it better!! And each year we succeed with the assistance of some wonderful volunteers who are passionate about making this iconic event happen.

You could be one of these volunteers. You will be working alongside other people with an interest in promoting indigenous culture and celebrating the survival of one of the world’s oldest living cultures.

Some of the tasks you can assist with are:
Being part of the crew on the day to bump in and bump out the equipment.
Artist liaison - mixing with and taking care of our line-up of amazing musicians and performers
Collecting donations from the friendly happy crowd who attend
Car Park attendant - - keeping people safe and orderly!
Marshalling during our new "Walk to Belgrave Survival Day",
Drive the minibus to and from the station
We only ask people to help for 1 hr on the day but most people enjoy themselves so much they like to do more. If you think you would like to be a part of the team, perhaps learn some new skills, or make some new friends, please reply to this email to be placed on the volunteers list. We will send you a more comprehensive list of tasks that you can nominate yourself for.
Why not enlist a friend and volunteer together!!

Express your interest to Volunteer Coordinator for BSD at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 

More info and updates

Facebook page

3MDR Meeghan Bell radio interview with Belgrave Survival Day's Bonnie Zuidland

Music:
1. A.B. Original - January 26
2. Dan Sultan - Dingo
3. Paul Kelly & The Messengers - From Little Things Big Things Grow

The event will be simulcast on 3MDR 97.1FM