We-Akon Dilinja 

Showcase of culture and history

We-Akon Dilinja is a significant cultural event that celebrates and acknowledges the stories, traditions, and resilience of First Nations people. The dawn ceremony is hosted at Alfred Square, St Kilda, and is an essential moment of reflection, the community coming together in a moving and meaningful way. In 2022, the ceremony was appropriately themed Healing through Remembrance, Reflection, and Recognition.  

Presided over by the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council and supported by Port Phillip Council and the National Australia Day Council, We-Akon Dilinja shared the culture and history of the Boonwurrung Traditional Owners through readings, music and a smoking ceremony. A multi-faith component enriched the event’s growing inclusivity, now in its third year. This powerful gathering, We-Akon Dilinja offered a shared opportunity for remembrance and recognition, healing within the community. 

  • Attendance: 2000 
  • Cultural Significance: A dawn ceremony acknowledging First Nations history and resilience. 
  • Key Elements: Live performances, storytelling, and ceremonial traditions. 
  • Live Broadcast: Coordinated live streaming to expand event reach and accessibility. 
  • Community Engagement: Strong partnerships with Indigenous elders, community groups, and stakeholders. 
  • Presented by the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council and supported by Port Phillip Council and the National Australia Day Council.  
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Key Deliverables 

Pre-Event Planning: 

  • Strategic event planning and development of a comprehensive timeline. 
  • Engagement with First Nations elders, cultural leaders, and key stakeholders to ensure cultural integrity. 
  • Site planning and infrastructure development tailored to a culturally sensitive event environment. 

 Event Logistics & Operations: 

  • Site design and management at Alfred Square, ensuring a respectful and welcoming space. 
  • Site Design & Layout: Strategic placement of activation zones, entertainment stages, vendor stalls, entry/exit points, and audience areas. 
  • Infrastructure Setup: Overseeing installation of marquees, fencing, stages, seating, and utilities (power, water, sanitation). 
  • Wayfinding & Signage: Directional and informational signage for efficient navigation. 
  • Accessibility Planning: Ensuring the festival is accessible and inclusive. 
  • Integration of sustainability-focused waste management initiatives to align with environmentally responsible practices. 
  • Traffic and pedestrian management including coordination of traffic management plans, parking management and pedestrian access 

Risk Management and Event Safety: Development and implementation of risk management and event safety plans, direct liaison with emergency services and oversight of compliance, ensuring all suppliers and vendors meet required safety and operational standards. Satisfy all Risk Management, OH&S, and other related legislative requirements, including Australian Standards, Worksafe legislation, and Council Policies such as the Safe Events Policy and approval process. Preparation of a COVID-Safe Plan in accordance with Government Directions.  

Production & Live Streaming: 

  • Management of all production aspects, including audio, lighting, and stage setup. 
  • Coordination of high-quality live streaming, allowing broader participation beyond the physical event. 
  • Technical management to ensure a seamless broadcast experience. 

Program Highlights 

We-Akon Dilinja created a powerful and moving experience, featuring: 

  • Traditional Ceremony: A dawn gathering led by First Nations elders. 
  • Live Performances: Music, dance, and storytelling reflecting cultural history and resilience. 
  • Community Participation: Inclusive engagement across diverse cultural groups. 
  • Live Streaming: Bringing the event to a wider audience, ensuring accessibility and ongoing impact. 

Challenges Overcome 

COVID-19 Uncertainty & Government Restrictions: The 2022 event faced the challenge of rapidly changing government COVID-19 restrictions, which could have forced last-minute cancellations or rescheduling. As We-Akon Dilinja was a date-sensitive event, Fruitbowl Events implemented a contingency live stream to ensure the ceremony could still proceed and remain accessible to vulnerable community members. 

COVID-Safe Compliance & Capacity Management: A COVID-Safe Plan was developed in accordance with government guidelines. The event was fenced and ticketed to manage attendance within the mandated capacity limits. Masks were enforced, and strict safety protocols were implemented to ensure the health and well-being of all attendees, performers, and staff.Cultural Sensitivity & Stakeholder Engagement: Ensuring all elements of the event aligned with First Nations protocols and community expectations required extensive consultation and collaboration with elders and cultural advisors. 

Live Broadcast Logistics: Managing a seamless live stream of an outdoor event in low-light conditions at dawn required careful planning, technical expertise, and on-site coordination. 

Site & Safety Considerations: Coordinating a large public gathering in a natural, open-air environment presented challenges around weather, accessibility, and crowd management, all of which were mitigated through strategic risk management planning. 

Results & Impact 

Fruitbowl Events successfully delivered We-Akon Dilinja as a seamless and culturally significant event, ensuring that the First Nations voices, traditions, and ceremonies were respectfully and meaningfully represented. The live stream extended the event’s reach, allowing a broader audience to engage with this important cultural moment. Through thoughtful planning, strong stakeholder relationships, and expert event management, Fruitbowl Events helped establish We-Akon Dilinja as an enduring and impactful annual event. 

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We-Akon Dilinja Website Main Picture
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