Alwyn Doolan is a young Gooreng Gooreng Wakka Wakka man attempting the longest walk in modern Aboriginal history: from the tip of Queensland via Tasmania to Canberra, to deliver a message of healing to the Australian Government. Raised on an Aboriginal mission, Alwyn suffered from severe identity crisis and addiction, surviving only by reconnecting to his culture. Now, he is determined to bring his story of healing to the nation, and promote integrating Aboriginal lore into the modern Australian system. Chosen by his Ancestors to carry Message Sticks as a form of Aboriginal diplomacy, Alwyn is named ‘Wunyungar’ (Messenger).
Walking through 50 First Nations across 8,000kms, Wunyungar collates a vision for a ‘New Dreaming’ to bring black and white together, restore truth, unite and heal. His three Message Sticks articulate Australia’s story in three stages: Creation, Colonisation and Healing. But will he be heard?
Once arriving in Canberra, trying to get his message across proves more challenging than he thought. A motion is tabled for the Government to accept his Message Sticks, splitting parliament 50/50. Meanwhile, he becomes hospitalized from the sheer trauma of his walk, forcing him into a wheelchair. When the Prime Minister ultimately ignores him, he feels helpless. Wunyungar begins to feel increasingly diminished and disempowered.
Disillusioned, Wunyungar decides to return home. There, he joins his community on a memorial walk to retrace the steps of their relatives who were stolen as children. Wunyungar’s return brings strength and inspiration, and together they walk side-by-side, healing their past.
Having walked across the nation, it is only once he returns home that Wunyungar discovers what he set out to find. He has a vision: imagine all Aboriginal nations dancing on country as 'one in time’? His vision goes viral and the first ever Nation Dance is born, uplifting and inspiring thousands of Australians nation-wide.