Shire to host NAIDOC exhibition

FIRST Nations artists will share their work with the Surf Coast Shire in an exhibition acknowledging NAIDOC week.

Their work will express deep connections to land, rivers and the sea of Traditional Country as a reflection of the 2021 NAIDOC week theme, ‘Heal Country!’.

NAIDOC Week will take place from July 4 to 11, and encourages all Australians to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with the shire to host an artistic display on Wadawurrung Country.

The exhibition will not open until July 16 to acknowledge the commitments of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners with various events taking place over the week.

To be held at Anglesea Art Space, the exhibition will feature Naomi Edwards from Wautharong Weaving, Gunditjmaar/Keeray Woorrong sisters Kelsey and Tarryn Love, Yorta Yorta/Baraparapa woman and Deakin University visual arts lecturer Dr Jenny Murray-Jones, as well as emerging Wadawurrung artist BJ O’Toole.

Acting mayor Liz Pattison said the exhibition will be about telling stories to be absorbed by attendees.

“It will create a space for people to reflect on the meaning of the works and words, think about what it means for us to be living on Country, and what Country means to us,” she said.

“And of course it will provide opportunity to connect with the NAIDOC theme Heal Country!, which calls on people from all walks to seek greater protections for our land and water, First Nations heritage and sacred sites.”

The official launch will begin at 6pm with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony to be conducted by Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Corrina Eccles while Norm Stanley will be on the didgeridoo.

Cr Pattinson said the event will be a positive event highlighting the significance of Country.

“It will provide an opportunity to embrace the extraordinarily close relationship that First Nations people have had with Country for millennia – the first creators on and of Country.”

The exhibition will run between July 11 to 25 at the Anglesea Art Space located at shop 2/103 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea.