NAIDOC week looks to future leaders

NAIDOC week celebrations have been taking place across Ballarat this week with a flag raising ceremony and community day.

The initiative runs until Sunday 13 July and this year’s theme is the next generation: strength, vision and legacy.

The theme celebrates 50 years of NAIDOC week including past achievements and the bright future that lies ahead with the support of young leaders.

The week provides an opportunity for community members to learn about First Nations cultures and histories.

“It’s really about honouring those 50 years of people who came before us, their strength, their vision and that we uphold their legacy into the future,” Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-Operative (BADAC) chief culture officer Shu Brown said.

Celebrations began with a flag raising ceremony on Monday 7 July organised by BADAC, the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) and the City of Ballarat.

This is the second time a joint ceremony was held following the success of last year’s inaugural event and Mr Brown said he was pleased to collaborate with the City of Ballarat.

“We always did our flag raising on the Monday and council had their flag raising on the Tuesday,” he said.

“For the council one, we were all gathering in the middle of Sturt Street under the shadow of a statue of Queen Victoria.

“You’re overshadowed by the monarch who had a lot to do with our dispossession.”

Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said NAIDOC week is an important opportunity to celebrate First Nations culture.

“Our partnership with BADAC and WTOAC during NAIDOC Week exemplifies our shared commitment to reconciliation and celebrating the rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” she said.

“It’s vital that we walk together and build strong connections to grow the strength, vision, and legacy of future generations.”

The flag raising was followed by a visit to Wadawurrung ancestor Frank Mullawallah Wilson’s grave and a community lunch.

On Wednesday 9 July a community day occurred at Ballarat High School with Indigenous hip hop, a petting zoo, youth dancers, a smoking ceremony and more.

Throughout the week, free movies, author talks, and art workshops were held at the city’s libraries and Perridak Arts hosted a three-hour basket weaving workshop.