General News
8 June, 2023
Celebrating NAIDOC Week
Maryborough is set to host its NAIDOC Week celebration event later this month, with locals encouraged to come together to celebrate and learn about Indigenous culture. NAIDOC Week runs from July 2 through to July 9 this year, however Maryborough is...
Maryborough is set to host its NAIDOC Week celebration event later this month, with locals encouraged to come together to celebrate and learn about Indigenous culture.
NAIDOC Week runs from July 2 through to July 9 this year, however Maryborough is getting in a touch early — hosting an event at the Maryborough Education Centre (MEC) on Thursday, June 22.
The theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations is ‘For Our Elders’ and recognises the prominent place elders hold in the community.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and MEC principal and organising committee member David Sutton said it was important this was recognised locally.
“We have about 65 Aboriginal students at MEC and as a school, we’re learning about the importance of culture,” he said.
“NAIDOC Week is a really good celebration of Indigenous culture and art and it’s grown each year it’s been held in Maryborough.”
Local celebrations are now in their 12th year, with this year’s event set to be the biggest one yet.
Mr Sutton said while a number of activities will be the same as last year’s celebration, there’ll be some new and exciting inclusions at this year’s event.
“After the success of last year, we decided to host the event at the school again,” he said.
“We’ve got some of the same activities we had last year with dances and a really important Welcome to Country ceremony.
“In addition to that we’ve got some new surprises — there are reptiles coming along and giveaways for the kids, we’re really looking for it.
“We had a really good turn out last year and we’re expecting those crowds to be bigger again this year which we’re really excited for.”
The event at MEC will kick off at 11 am with a women’s cleansing and healing ceremony, a traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country.
The program includes clinics run by Netball Victoria, AFL Victoria, and the return of workshops with Jungle City dance crew who were a hit at last year’s event.
There will be free and fun activities for all ages including crafts, painting, Koorie games, Indigenous art, barbecue, stalls, music, displays and lots of giveaways.
Asteria’s Michelle Rafferty, chair of the local NAIDOC committee said it was important the week was commemorated locally.
“Asteria is proud to partner with other community organisations to celebrate NAIDOC week,” she said.
“Asteria recognises cultural events throughout the year, as per our Reconciliation Action Plan, such as flag raising ceremonies and participating in NAIDOC celebrations.”
The NAIDOC celebration is organised by a local committee and is supported by a host of local community organisations including Asteria Services, Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre, Central Goldfields Shire Council, Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) and more.
For more ways to become involved in the week and for information, visit www.naidoc.org.au.