NAIDOC Week celebrations

GEELONG is gearing up to celebrate NAIDOC Week, with several events to take place around the region.

NAIDOC Week officially runs from Sunday, July 7 until July 14, celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This year’s theme is “Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud”, with Geelong celebrations beginning tomorrow (Saturday, July 6) with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative’s NAIDOC Ball.

“It’s just a really great celebration of NAIDOC week and everybody coming together to dance and enjoy themselves and kick the week off,” Wathaurong’s Beth Davis said.

On Monday, July 8 Wathaurong will also host their annual flag raising ceremony, where they will hold their Blak Market and hand out their community NAIDOC awards.

“It’s an opportunity for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to promote their businesses and sell their products,” Ms Davis said.

“We give out four awards each year for a community person of the year, an elder of the year, youth male and a youth female of the year.”

Geelong business Blak Brews will also be taking part in NAIDOC Week, with a pop-up shop featuring their specialty teas and a meet and greet at Murran Hub.

Owner Troy Benjamin recently appeared on the Channel 9 television series Food Stars, where he won a 12-month mentorship with Gordon Ramsay and $250,000 to support his business.

Mr Benjamin said he was excited to see everybody and have a physical presence following Geelong’s support of his business.

“We’ve had so much online support since the grand final aired.

“Now I’ve got an opportunity to meet people face to face and meet the supporters.

“This particular week’s about celebrating the achievements within our community, there’s no other week we do it and few and far between are we recognised on TV or in any capacity.”

Mr Benjamin will also DJ at the NAIDOC Ball and will have his van at the flag raising ceremony.

For more information on Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative’s NAIDOC events, head to wathaurong.org.au/