The Biripi Tribe Nation Dance at Saltwater was a proud moment for local Aboriginal people.
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This is according to co-organiser Leonie Morcome, who was part of the 200-strong group for the historical event on Sunday, December 1.
"We are proud Australians and we are proud of our dancing,' Leonie said.
"It was symbolic for our people to come together and embrace our culture through dance, song and stories.
"We joined with other tribes across the country to uplift our spirits, especially with the bush fires in our area."
It was the largest turnout to a Biripi dance event that Leonie has ever witnessed.
"We had residents from other areas come along too," she said.
"They came from places like Sydney and Coffs Harbour as well as from the Old Bar and Wallabi Point area.
"We were able to create spiritualism through dance at our spiritual place of Saltwater."
Elders led the walk over the sandbank to the lagoon at Saltwater, which was surrounded by Aboriginal art.
"We had singing in language (Gathang), didgeridoo and clapping sticks playing," Leonie said.
The Taree South dance group led the attendees through dances. Different groups showed off dances they'd mastered such as the mosquito, shark and pipi.
"They also took turns to do animals dances like the kangaroo or goanna," Leonie said.
There was no criteria to be involved.
"We had everyone from young boys to elders dancing- everyone was involved," Leonie said.
Manning Gardens Public School, Chatham High School and Taree High School's dance groups were exceptional.
It was symbolic for our people to come together and embrace our culture through dance, song and our stories.
- Leonie Morcome
"They all knew what to do," Leonie said.
Knowing the group was a part of a nationwide day of dance made the event more special.
"I'm so proud to be part of this community," Leonie said.
"Some people hadn't danced before."
A flock of black cockatoos flew overhead as the event wrapped up.
"The sound of squawking from them is a sign of rain," Leonie explained.
Rain did indeed fall throughout the day, giving the dances more visual appeal. Leonie is confident the dance will become an annual event.
"We'll be seeing them right across the country," Leonie assured.
Other key organisers for the Biripi event were Jeremy Saunders, Jaycent Davis and Joedie Lawler.
