Communities throughout the north central region will this week celebrate and recognise National Aboriginies and Islanders Day Observance Committee Week, NAIDOC Week, with a variety of activities and events.
NAIDOC Week, from July 2 to 9, has a theme of ‘For Our Elders’ this year.
The week-long event will involve Australians celebrating Indigenous history, culture and the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Multiple events and activities will take place across the region in recognition of the event.
Sunday, July 2
Yea celebrations
Activities will commence at 10.30am on Sunday July 2 with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country in the YWDC Indigenous Garden by Taungurung Elder Aunty Angela ten Burren (Franklin), followed by morning tea.
Aunty Angela is passionate about researching her family history, Taungurung history and the history of Yea through her strong ancestral ties with her great grandfather John Franklin.
Aunty Angela is also curating a display in the Wetlands Centre around the NAIDOC theme of ‘For our Elders’ in which photographs and biographies of Taungurung Elders will be displayed with feathers or flowers handpicked from Taungurung Country.
At 1pm, Uncle Ronald Briggs will address attendees in the Discovery Centre.
Uncle Ron is a Yorta Yorta elder, Senior Aboriginal Cultural Advisor and Program Facilitator at Caraniche. He is on the board of VAHS- Victorian Aboriginal Health Services and will lead a discussion around the Voice to Parliament, Treaty and Truth as set out in 2017 in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Uncle Ron will explain the origins of the Voice movement and what the Voice is expected to achieve. He will also comment on the issues which have arisen around this proposal. Uncle Ron will be happy to take questions.
Sunday’s activities are free of charge but booking via TryBooking would be appreciated for catering and seating purposes.
Wednesday, July 5
Kids workshop session
Celebrated Taungurung artist and educator Cassie Leatham will hold two workshops on Wednesday July 5 using traditional weaving techniques and natural materials.
Participants in the Mr Beaky Story time and art session, from 10am to 12pm on Wednesday for primary aged children, will enjoy reading the Mr Beaky story with Cassie, meet Mr Beaky himself and get to create mini clay bird sculptures.
Weaving workshop
An afternoon weaving session from 1pm-4pm will give participants the chance to learn to weave string bags using traditional weaving techniques.
Places are limited for these two workshops, with costs at $8 per child, $15 for concession and $20 for adults including all materials.
NAIDOC Week at the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre is proudly supported by Murrindindi Shire Council, Taungurung Land & Waters Council and Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre Inc.
Participants are encouraged to book in advance through Try Booking.
Enquiries can be directed to the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre on 5797 2663.
Seymour celebrations
Goranwarrabul Mob and Friends is hosting celebrations in Seymour commencing at 10.30am at 6 Callen Street, Seymour with a welcome and smoking ceremony.
Attendees will then take part in the NAIDOC parade to Kings Park stopping at the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk on High Street to lay a wreath.
The main event will start at 11am at Kings Park with food, stalls and family activities available to attendees available until 2pm – a great event for school holiday fun.
Pop-up playgroup
Whittlesea Community Centre will host a free, First Nations inspired playgroup between 9.30am and 11.30am, featuring stories from Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Ian Hunter, Aboriginal-themed children’s activities, games and arts and craft and storytime with Whittlesea Library.
The event is recommended for all ages, with children, parents and grandparents invited to attend.
Dancing our stories – Teen workshop
Indigenous Outreach Projects is facilitating a free dance workshop at Laurimar Community Activity Centre from 11am to 3pm.
Participants will be encouraged to learn, move, and embrace the cultural heritage and artistry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dances, honouring Indigenous traditions.
The dance workshop invites Koori young people, their friends, and other young individuals aged between 12 and 18.
Attendees can also expect to learn about cultural heritage and customs from Indigenous Elders.
Friday, July 14
Free film screening
The wider Whittlesea community is invited to attend a free screening of the film ‘The Last Daughter’ from 11am to 1pm at Yan Yean Theatre at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, South Morang.
The film follows Brenda Matthews who journeys to learn about her past and reconcile the two sides of her family. Ms Matthews will be present at the screening for a question and answer session following the film.
To reserve a spot, people can visit https://bit.ly/46vPTcA.
