Shire’s NAIDOC Week celebrations go digital

NAIDOC Week celebrations have continued in the Surf Coast Shire this week despite COVID-19 compromising the usual festivities.

Past celebrations on the Surf Coast have included traditional dance, smoking ceremonies, presentations, and panels.

This year the theme “Always Was, Always Will Be”, pronounced “Yannan-ik Yannan-iyu” in Waddawurrung language, underpins the annual event, celebrating history, culture and achievements of First Nations people.

Chris Pike, general manager of culture at the Surf Coast Shire, said this year the council is showing an online presentation titled “Journey on Wadawurrung Country” featuring highly admired Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and local resident of the Surf Coast Corrina Eccles alongside renowned photographer Ferne Millen in conversation.

“The work takes a powerful virtual walk on Wadawurrung Country and reflects on the 2020 NAIDOC theme, Always Was, Always Will Be as Corinna discusses the significant ongoing relationship to place, land, rivers and sea, and how this relationship informs everyday life.”

The presentation features photographs taken by Ms Millen on the Surf Coast and Bellarine region with their significance explained by Ms Eccles. One point of discussion is Point Impossible and Brimlea and the evidence that it was a large place of permanent living and gathering for the Wadawurrung.

“It invites people to think deeply about what it means, how we care of Country and each other, and what we can learn from the traditional custodians about our place,” Mr Pike said.

He said the council will also celebrate NAIDOC week through an online communications campaign that will feature in social and print media.

“Surf Coast Shire spans the traditional country of the Gadubanud and Gulidjan people with the Eastern Marr nations, as well as Wadawurrung Country. We continue to work with the Wadawurrung and Eastern Marr
Registered Aboriginal Parties to strengthen partnerships and lean more about local indigenous culture.” He said.

The online event is available until Sunday, November 15 and can be viewed at the following website: surfcoastartstrail.com.au/live