Students engage in an educational workshop at the Meeting of Two Cultures commemoration. Picture by John Veage

The annual Meeting of Two Cultures commemoration at Kurnell on April 29 was more lively than usual.

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More than 280 students from 17 schools were bussed to the event marking the first contact between Europeans and First Nations people on Australia's east coast.

School holidays and pupil-free days have stopped organised school groups attending in recent years.

Meeting of Two Cultures commemoration. Picture by John Veage

Schools that accepted the opportunity to attend the 256th anniversary of the historic event in 1770 included:

• Gymea North Public School
• Sylvania Heights Public School
• Engadine Public School
• Tharawal Public School
• Heathcote Public School
• Bonnet Bay Public School
• St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Como/Oyster Bay
• St John Bosco Catholic Primary
• Kareela Public School
• Jannali East Public School
• Oyster Bay Public School
• Kurnell Public School
• Waterfall Public School
• St Aloysius College Cronulla
• Woolooware High
• Bundeena Public School
• La Perouse Public School

Engadine and Oyster Bay public school students at the Meeting of Two Cultures commemoration. Picture by John Veage

Schools covered transport costs to Botany Bay National Park as part of normal curriculum expenses.

Students, along with members of the wider community, were treated to a series of performances and cultural demonstrations and educational workshops and a free community BBQ.

The event was held near where the new Visitors Centre is about to be completed. An opening date has not yet been advised.

The Visitors Centre will house four Gweagal spears, which have been returned after being taken back to England aboard the Endeavour.

Sutherland Shire Council hosts the Meeting of Two Cultures commemoration with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and NSW Parks and Wildlife Service.

Meeting of Two Cultures commemoration. Picture by John Veage

Mayor Jack Boyd, said the event "serves as both a historical commemoration and a contemporary platform for cultural exchange, reflection and reconciliation".

"This commitment is underpinned by Council's endorsed Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, guiding practical steps to strengthen relationships, respect and opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

"It's fantastic to see local residents, descendants of both the Endeavour crew and the Dharawal speaking people who stood on this land 256 years ago once again come together to share their perspectives on this historic first meeting and celebrate our shared heritage."

Cr Boyd said the return of the Gweagal spears had attracted international attention.

"This long-awaited return of the spears to the new Visitors Centre, paves the way for the eventual return to Country of these hugely important artefacts which provide a tangible link to this moment in our history."

The 2018 edition of Sutherland Shire Relay for Life. Picture by John Veage

Rod Coy says "we had no idea what lay ahead of us" when Sutherland Shire Relay for Life kicked off at Sylvania Waters Athletics Track.

Twenty-five years later, and with a new home at Don Lucas Reserve, the answer is very clear.

The event has grown into Australia's largest Relay for Life, raising nearly $8 million for Cancer Council NSW research, while bringing together many thousands of people affected by cancer, including those grieving a loved one, survivors and their families and friends, plus a legion of supporters.

Ribbon cutting for the first Sutherland Shire Relay for Life at Sylvania Waters Atletics Track. Picture supplied

On Saturday and Sunday May 2-3, the community will join in the 25th Relay for Life in the Shire.

Mr Coy, co-chair of the volunteer committee, said, "This stands as a distinctive event that unites the community with purpose".

"It provides an opportunity to celebrate cancer survivorship, honour those we have lost, and support Cancer Council NSW through vital fundraising efforts.

2024. Picture by John Veage

"The event brings together survivors, carers, families, friends, colleagues, schools, surf clubs, youth groups, businesses, hospitals, service organisations, entertainers, and community leaders for a 24-hour relay, reinforcing the message that our commitment to fighting cancer is unwavering.

"It is organised completely by local community volunteers."

Relay For Life began in the USA in 1985 when colorectal surgeon, Dr Gordy Klatt raised awareness of cancer and funds for a local cancer charity by walking for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington.

Relay began in Australia in 1999 and has become the largest fundraising event for cancer in the world.

About 300 people took part in the first Relay in the Shire.

This weekend, about 6000 are expected to participate, including about 100 teams and many individual walkers.

Last year, the event raised $400,000 and, with a growth in registrations this year, the figure could climb as high as $500,000.

The traditional Candlelight Ceremony on Saturday evening will look back over the 25 years with photos and personal accounts,

It will be followed by a 25th Silver Anniversary Banquet with entertainment to mark the special occasion.

Sunday morning will once again feature complimentary hot breakfasts for all participants, provided by the Rotary Clubs of the Shire - a tradition since the inaugural event.

Co-chair Glen Nicholas said, "The past 25 years have seen remarkable progress, and we are delighted to be at our new seaside home, where participants can enjoy the ocean air and scenic sunrises."

Register at: www.shirerelay.com.au