Villawood spells it out for NAIDOC Week

VILLAWOOD Properties and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) have teamed up to create a striking NAIDOC Week message in Mount Duneed.

The latest arrangement of Villawood’s corten steel letters at the Armstrong Mt Duneed estate is “Gobata”, chosen to to highlight the annual celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NAIDOC – the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee – is promoting the theme ‘For Our Elders’ in for NAIDOC Week in 2023, which began on Sunday this week and runs until Sunday, July 9.

Wadawurrung woman and WTOAC recognition and negotiations general manager said Rebekah Devlin said this year’s theme dovetailed with the letters’ message

“Our elders shape and guide each generation, passing on cultural knowledge to ensure we all understand our cultural obligation to take care of Wadawurrung Country.

“In Wadawurrung language, we do not have a word for goodbye as we hope to see you again; we say ‘Gobata’ instead.

“‘Gobata’ means take care, but it can be used in many contexts: take care of each other, of yourself, of Country – but it is up to all of us to take care of our elders.

“This is something we can all aspire to, not just during NAIDOC Week, but every week – ensuring our Elders are cared for and treated with the respect they so dearly deserve.”

WTOAC chief executive officer Liam Murphy thanked Villawood Properties for its support in giving more visibility to Wadawurrung language on the Surf Coast Highway.

He said he would love to see a permanent installation of letters reading “Wadawurrung Country” somewhere in the region one day.

Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe said the ‘Gobata’ signage was an important message by the community for the community.

“NAIDOC Week is a great time for people to learn about First Nations cultures and histories.”

“The ‘Gobata’ message is a warm and welcoming message, an invitation to acknowledge one of the oldest, continuous living cultures on the planet.

“Our First Nations are an integral part of Australia – a part we can share and celebrate.”

For more information on NAIDOC Week, head to naidoc.org.au