Shire to celebrate NAIDOC Week on Sunday

THIS Sunday’s NAIDOC Week celebrations in the Surf Coast Shire will feature a four-strong panel of local women embodying the 2018 theme “Because of Her, We Can!”

The event in Anglesea will feature powerful insight, reflection, ceremony and song, heralding the start of the national week of acknowledgement.

Because of Her, We Can! focuses on the strength and leadership demonstrated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women across countless generations, carrying dreaming, songlines and culture, and acting as trailblazers and advocates.

Panellists at the Surf Coast Shire celebrations will be:

• Corrina Eccles – a Wadawurrung traditional owner, Wadawurrung Registered Aboriginal Party, and respected regional indigenous advocate and volunteer committed to community growth, empowerment and education
• Jodie Sizer – a Djab Wurrung/Gunditjmara woman, Torquay resident, joint owner and chief executive officer of PricewaterhouseCoopers Indigenous Consulting, and board member of the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Wathaurong Glass and Collingwood Football Club
• Ebony Hickey – a Gulidjan woman, who works in Aboriginal Community Development on Wathaurong Country in Geelong and Gulidjan / Gadabanud Country in Colac-Otway region, and
• Aunty Colleen Howell – a Wathaurong community elder, from the Arrernte tribe at Alice Springs. A member of the Stolen Generation, Mrs Howell lives in Grovedale and formerly lived in Anglesea and Torquay.

Corinna Eccles will lead discussion as master of ceremonies after having led a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, accompanied by the Deadly Dancers. There will also be a performance by the Deadly Duo.

Surf Coast mayor David Bell said the event would be an acknowledgement of heritage and strength.

“Fittingly led by the distinguished panellists, this gathering will celebrate the outstanding contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made and continue to make to our communities and country.”

The NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week celebration will be held at the Anglesea Memorial Hall, 1B McMillan Street on Sunday July 8 from 2-4.30pm.

The event is free but people can register via eventbrite.com.au.