Celebrate strength this NAIDOC Week

INDIGENOUS cultures and traditions will be celebrated across Moorabool Shire this month as part of NAIDOC Week.

The annual event will be held in communities across Australia from 7 to 14 July, paying tribute to the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Festivities will kick off with a creative gum nut wreath-making workshop at the Ballan Library on Monday 8 July.

Mayor Cr Ally Munari encouraged community members to get involved in local events to mark the special occasion.

“We’re so excited by the variety of events we’re hosting this year to celebrate NAIDOC Week – from making gum nut leaf wreaths and listening to special story times with the library team to sewing classes with the early years’ team,” she said.

Residents can also join in smoking ceremonies hosted by Traditional Owners.

“There is a lot the community can do to mark the occasion,’ Cr Munari said.

“Everyone is invited to celebrate with us, and I encourage residents to support these fantastic events.”

Young people can also enjoy a sewing workshop, get creative cultural arts and crafts or listen to Wadawurrung stories with Uncle Barry Gilson.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme – Keep the fire burning: Blak, loud and proud – pays tribute to the strength and shared stories of Indigenous Australians.

“The resilience of mob, our shared experiences, collective memories and kinship is a source of tremendous pride,” National NAIDOC committee co-chair Aunty Lynette Riley said.

“This year’s theme is a clarion call to continued unity and solidarity for all Australians to come together and celebrate.”

To find out more about local NAIDOC Week activities, visit moorabool.vic.gov.au/events.