A beloved community event and volunteer committee will see in 2026 with a new date to to better suit the people it serves and give more people across the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley and beyond a chance to attend.
Belgrave Survival Day has recently announced it’s annual event that is coming up rapidly in 2026 and the community group is actively seeking committee members as well.
Moving to 21 February for 2026, the annual event celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples survival, culture and heritage and was begun by a small group of hills residents in 2008 and is held on Wurundjeri land in Borthwick Park, Belgrave.
“Belgrave Survival Day has always been about celebrating the strength, resilience, and culture of First Nations people in a positive and respectful way,” said co-chair of the Belgrave Survival Day committee Will Brussen.
“A few years ago, after consultation with local mob, we made the decision to move the event away from 26 January,” he said.
In recent years, the timing of the event has been looked at again and the decision has been made to shift it earlier into the year instead of waiting until March.
“For the past couple of years, we’ve held it on the first weekend in March,” said Mr Brussen.
“We became aware that a number of local and First Nations community events also happen around that time, to make space for those and allow more people to attend and participate, we’ve decided to move Belgrave Survival Day to a new date, Saturday 21 February,” he said.
The annual free entry even features live music, celebration, dancing displays and culture, earlier this year crowds were treated a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy, along with performances by the Djirri Djirri Dancers and First Nations musicians Gumbaynggirr and Barkindji singer/songwriter Manduway and artist Canisha and Jalgany.
Mr Brussen said next year the timing will alter as well.
“We’re also shifting the event into a twilight event, afternoon into early evening, which better suits the kind of festival-style celebration we’re aiming for,” he said.
“It means people can come after their Saturday commitments whether that’s sport, work, or family activities and stay into the evening to enjoy the music, performances, markets and food stalls – it’s all about creating a welcoming, vibrant space that encourages people to come together and celebrate culture and community.”
With the aim to make Belgrave Survival Day a day for everyone that is inclusive and grounded in respect for First Nations voices, Mr Brussen said that they hope the new date and time will allow more people to attend, stay longer, and enjoy everything the event has to offer.
People can in Belgrave and surrounds are welcome to get involved with the event and Mr Brussen said he has found it incredibly rewarding himself.
“Volunteering for Belgrave Survival Day has been one of the most rewarding ways I’ve found to offer my skills in support of First Nations people and the broader community,” he said.
“It’s a chance to contribute meaningfully, learn deeply, and be part of something that celebrates culture, resilience, and connection.”
Miller Soding, another member on the committee said that people that become part of the crew that makes this important event happen, with a monthly commitment leading up to the day don’t need any special experience to join in.
“No special experience is needed, just a passion for community and working together,” they said.
“First Nations people will be prioritised, but everyone is welcome to get involved. I encourage anyone who’s thinking about it to reach out. Trust me, you’ll gain far more than you give,’ they said.
People can head to this online form and the committee will be in touch: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWAtSpAKQR4lW6OSzCV8W6QhCdchg9qdFxYLI3LkT4CB9m_g/viewform?pli=1
The committee encourage people to get in touch with any questions and all are welcome to join the committee and volunteer and for now the broader community can look forward to February.
“Expect music, ceremony, truth-telling, and community connection – the same spirit of Belgrave Survival Day, in a new format,” read the groups social media.
