Digital projections light up City Hall throughout NAIDOC Week

GEELONG’S City Hall was lit up throughout NAIDOC Week with stunning digital projections displaying indigenous artwork.

This digital projections brought the building to life and were shown nightly from 8.30pm to 11pm. The projections were created by Matt Bonner while the Aboriginal artwork was developed through The Torch art, cultural and art vocational programs.

The projections are just one of the ways NAIDOC Week was celebrated, normally held in the first week of July, the week encourages all Australians to embrace the history of this country.

That history is something that is very close to the heart of artist and Wadawurrung traditional owner Billy-Jay O’Toole.

He created artwork which has featured on banners displayed around the region throughout NAIDOC Week.

The theme for the week was “Always Was, Always Will Be”; a message that resonates with O’Toole.

“The theme means a lot to me as I’m sure it does to all Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people,” he said.

“This theme is about honouring the past but moving forward together. It’s about acknowledging that no matter where you stand in Australia, you are on Indigenous land – Aboriginal people are still here stronger than ever.”

Along with the projections, the City of Greater Geelong in partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative have created a virtual trail tour.

There are 20 locations on the tour, highlighted by photography and descriptions depicting important and significant parts of Wadawurrung country and history.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation chief executive officer Paul Davis spoke of the week’s significance for everyone is the community.

“NAIDOC Week is important for all Australians to celebrate the tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage across this continent and for their contributions.”