Celebrate Children’s Day

BALLARAT is invited to mark National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day this Sunday.

From 11am to 3pm at Russell Square, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and wider Ballarat, can celebrate the strengths and culture of their children at a free community event.

Run by Ballarat Better Outcomes Early Years Network with Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative, a range of fun activities are planned for Children’s Day.

There will be a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, face painting, a balloon man, Aus Kick, cultural arts and craft, and performances by Jayden Lillyst and Uncle Jack Walker, and the Yuille Park Community College Choir, singing songs of the Mission.

Karroong craft stall will be on site, alongside Hippie Whippie, a free sausage sizzle, story time, and a pop-up playgroup. There will also be an opportunity to meet representatives from the Fire Brigade and Police.

Organiser, Darlene Rumler said Children’s Day is a time for all Australians to show their support, and learn of the crucial influence culture, family and community play in young lives.

“This year’s theme is ‘We Play’,” she said. “Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Children’s Day is an event for the Better Outcomes Early Years network.

“This event provides us with an opportunity to not only celebrate culture and children, but engage the wider community in an inclusive and fun environment.

“This supports Ballarat Better Outcomes Early Years Network’s critical work as a multi-agency group in raising cultural awareness, advocating and demonstrating the importance of participating in health and education within early years,” Ms Rumler said.

Children’s Day, 4 August, is the largest annual national day to celebrate the younger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander generation.