Many connected with country through the Mirror flash and Koori flag raising

More than 70 people of all ages united to raise flags and take part in the mirror flashing on April 8.

The journey started from Boronia Street in Bowral, where people then walked through the bushland.

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The annual event held by the Woonjeegaribay Conciliation Group, has been taking place since 2002, to acknowledge and celebrate the Gundungurra people across the lands from the Southern Highlands, to the Blue Mountains.

Auntry Trish Levett, co-convenor of the group, said it was an "amazing day", where "...the smiles on people's faces were shining...", and many said it was the best experience they have had in a long time.

She led the ceremony, and conducted a smoking ceremony and cleansing dance.

All of the guests joined the dance and formed a circle to connect with the land and its ancestors.

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Ivan played the didgeridoo and another used clapping sticks.

Mirrors were flashed from the Gundungurra Lookout, in the Gibbergunyah Reserve, which was seen more than 80 kilometres away.

Despite the wind and clouds, the flashes moved as the sun shone through.

The win however, was stronger in Leura, almost blowing the mirrors out of people's hands, where they had to stop flashing.

"Your mirror flashes are amazing...Everyone here has seen it!" said Lyn Bevington from the Blue Mountains People for Reconciliation, in Leura.

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"It was very pleasing to see so many people make the effort and participate in the ceremony," said Woonjeegaribay Conciliation Group convenor and committee member Kim Leevers.

"From the feedback, it was clear that many were very excited to be part of it, to share with other like-minded people."

The next mirror flash and flag raising will take place on April 13, 2024.

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