Harper Sercombe
Whittlesea council is celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during NAIDOC Week.
The theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week, which runs from July 2-9, is “For Our Elders” and pays homage to the unique role elders play in their communities.
This theme was a focus of council’s NAIDOC Week morning tea event at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre on Monday.
Council’s chair administrator Lydia Wilson said council was proud to support First Nations communities within the municipality by holding and supporting a number of events throughout the week.
“These events will help our residents increase their knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customs, protocols and traditions,” she said.
Council is also working towards developing a new Aboriginal gathering place at Quarry Hills and developing a new reconciliation action plan.
Among the events this week is a free pop-up playgroup at the Whittlesea Community Centre on July 5 that will feature stories from Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Ian Hunter and other Aboriginal-themed children’s activities.
On the same day at the Laurimar Community Activity Centre, there will be a ‘Dancing Our Stories’ workshop designed for young Koori people, their friends and other teens.
Details: www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/naidocweek
