SMOKE from burning gum leaves atop Marmungun Rock sent a clear message on Sunday morning that something special was to occur.

As a crowd of 50 or so tried to shake-off winter’s mid-morning chill with rays of sunshine between the trees, their gaze was affixed on the symbolic rock which has been part of the landscape since 2017.

Inspired by respected Aboriginal elder the late Uncle Wally Cooper, the rock carries the handprints of all Wangaratta’s Citizens of the Year since 2017, and those of current recipients Wendy and Peter Lester were to be revealed during the morning’s ceremony.

Son Kevin Cooper, who with his children Emily, Luke and Patrick, and brother Sony on the didgeridoo, performed the ‘spirit dance’ to welcome guests, said his dad was all about reconciliation and loved the Wangaratta community.

“He loved to share our culture and wanted to highlight people who bring the community together,” he said.

Wally’s daughter Anita Morgan, who officiated the ceremony as a member of the organising Dirrawarra Indigenous Network, said her father had come up with the idea of a large rock while carving a rock for another project.

“He was a true champion of reconciliation and knew this would bring cultures and the community together and break down some barriers,” she said.

“It is a fitting tribute, to him and to all those outstanding members of our community.”

Ms Morgan said timing the Marmungun Rock ceremony during National Reconciliation Week was all about helping celebrate and build respectful relationships between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and all other Australians.

She said the Marmungun Rock, sited on traditional Yorta Yorta and Bangerang peoples land, together with the adjoining Bullawah Cultural Trail along the Ovens River, was a significant public celebration of Indigenous culture.

Mayor Cr Irene Grant said council was honoured to partner with the Dirrawarra Indigenous Network to conduct the Marmungun Rock ceremony, which was unique to Wangaratta and a wonderful way to recognise and thank outstanding members of the community.

She said Peter and Wendy Lester were recognised and awarded for their extensive work enhancing the welfare and wellbeing of the community.

Mayor Grant said the couple, through their business Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway, and its 80 or so staff, provide significant support to the community, financially, in-kind and countless volunteer hours.

She said they have made major contributions to events and organisations across multiple sectors in Wangaratta, including the jazz festival, the Rovers Football and Netball Club, The Orange Door and the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre.

“It is well earned and well deserved recognition,” Mayor Grant said.

Wendy told those present that Peter and she were humbled and deeply privileged by the acknowledgement, thanking all concerned, particularly the Cooper family, especially Jesse who did the hand carving.

“This award is not just a reflection of our efforts it’s a testament to the power of the community,” she said.

“We continue to be inspired and guided by people around us.

“Let’s continue building a stronger, kinder and more connected community.”

That sentiment prevailed, with guests enjoying a Wangaratta Rotary Club of Appin Park sausage sizzle and each others company into lunchtime.