Marmungun Rock Ceremony

Generations of family now and into the future will now have a place to come to celebrate Wendy and Peter Lester and their ongoing contribution to the community.

As part of National Reconciliation Week this year, Wendy and Peter’s carved handprints will be revealed as the newest additions on the Marmungun Rock in Apex Park.

Wendy and Peter received the 2025 Citizen of the Year in the Rural City of Wangaratta Australia Day Awards in January after being nominated for their extensive work in local community groups and organisations.

The Marmungun Rock Ceremony and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, through the Dirrawarra Indigenous Network recognises the Wangaratta Citizen of the Year who has demonstrated the qualities of an Indigenous Elder – community service, integrity and wisdom. These carved handprints are an honour and enduring tribute to outstanding individuals in our community.

The ceremony will take place on Sunday 1 June starting at 11am with an acknowledgement of Country, traditional performances, unveiling of the handprints and concluding with a sausage sizzle.

This event is open to everyone in the community, please RSVP via dirrawarranetwork@outlook.com

About the event

Marmungun means ‘of this group’ or ‘of this area’ – the closest traditional Bpangerang word for community. The Marmungun Rock concept was conceived by respected Elder Wally Cooper whose pride in his Aboriginal heritage and message of hope for the future inspired many. His ability to connect with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people has helped to build respect, understanding and reconciliation. This legacy left by Uncle Wally, is now proudly continued by his children Anita and Jesse.

Since 2017, the Dirrawarra Indigenous Network endeavour to honour the annual Wangaratta Citizen of the Year recipient in the Marmungun Rock Ceremony taking place in National Reconciliation Week each year.