Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!
That’s the theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week which runs from Sunday 3 to Sunday 10 July.
It calls on people to use their voices to continue the fight for change.
Whether it’s seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protections, constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling, working towards treaties, or calling out racism – we must do it together.
The week is also an opportunity for the country to come together and celebrate the people who have driven and led change in our communities over generations.
There are several events being hosted across the region is celebration and recognition of NAIDOC Week. The entire community is encouraged to get involved. Below are a few highlights.
Coming of the Light
On Sunday 3 July the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle will host ‘Coming of the Light’ at Christ Church Cathedral at 6pm. There will be a guest preacher – Director of Reconciliation Rev Canon Aunty Di Langham – and refreshments will be served after evensong.
This celebration commemorates the adoption of Christianity through Torres Strait Island communities during the late nineteenth century. All are welcome.
Torres Strait Islander Storytelling and Art Workshop
Lambton Library will be hosting a workshop with Torres Strait Islander artist Toby Cedar on Sunday 3 July from 2pm to 4pm. He’ll share traditional stories and demonstrate artmaking techniques.
Newcastle NAIDOC Celebration
On Monday 4 July, head to Civic Park at 9am for a march to Foreshore Park where there will be a main stage for entertainment, exhibitors, freebie gifts, food, rides and more. Our Diocese will be hosting a stall at the celebration.
Wayapa Wuurrk
Sarah, a Darkinjung woman, will introduce families to Wayapa Wuurrk an Aboriginal wellness practice through little yarns linking each of Wayapa elements to Aboriginal culture, sustainability and Country. She encourages us to all Get Up, Show Up and Stand Up to Care for Country. The session will finish with a Wayapa Wuurrk practice suitable for all ages and abilities. Everyone is welcome.
Hosted at Civic Park there will be two sessions on Tuesday 5 July, one at 11am and another at 1pm. Bookings are essential, click here for more info.
Shell Work workshop
Learn the beautiful art of shell work with Aunty Brenda Baxter and Toni Baxter at the Manning Regional Art Gallery on Tuesday 5 July.
Shellwork has always been a part of Aboriginal women’s culture, with shells having many uses including for adornment and for the crafting of ingenious items such as fishing hooks.
In this workshop you will decorate a small box with shell work. Bring along any special shells you may want to use, or a small object you would like to decorate.
Limited to 10 people, bookings required, all welcome: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/373129669887
NAIDOC Week flag-raising ceremony
Lake Macquarie Council invite you to attend their annual NAIDOC Week flag-raising ceremony and morning tea on Wednesday 6 July. The ceremony honours the legacy of Uncle Bill Smith and Elders who have passed over. It’ll go from 9am until 11am at the Council’s administration building at 126-134 Main Road, Speers Point.
Family Fun Day at Cessnock
Each year, communities and organisations across Cessnock host events and activities to share and celebrate local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture during NAIDOC Week. Everyone is welcome to participate, and it is a great opportunity to support, get to know and get involved with our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This year on Saturday 9 July at TAFE Park, from 10.30am until 3pm there will be carnival rides, entertainment, an Elders marquee and market stalls.
Artmaking at MAP mima
See an amazing multimedia display of artworks produced by local school students during workshops with respected Aboriginal artist Saretta Fielding. These artworks will inform designs that will be applied to the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST). Families can also enjoy artmaking activities in the grounds of MAP mima.
The workshops are being hosted on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 July from 10am until 3pm at the Multi Arts Pavillion in Speers Point.
For more information about NAIDOC Week, visit www.naidoc.org.au