In short:
Wyndham will celebrate NAIDOC Week from 5 to 12 July with a wide range of events including storytelling workshops, cultural performances, a community flag raising ceremony, author talks and family-friendly activities.
First Nations Culture on Display
National NAIDOC Week returns next month with a diverse program of events across Wyndham, offering residents of all ages the opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements.
Held nationally from 5 July to 12 July, NAIDOC Week recognises the world’s oldest continuing living cultures while encouraging all Australians to learn more about First Nations histories and traditions.
This year’s theme, Fifty Years of Deadly, celebrates five decades of community strength, leadership, culture and resilience.
Across Wyndham, the week features everything from family-friendly library activities and live performances to community ceremonies, literature and children’s theatre, ensuring there is something for every age group and interest.
Families can take part in Storytelling Through Art sessions at Hoppers Crossing, Manor Lakes and Point Cook libraries, where children aged 5 to 12 will learn about First Nations storytelling before creating their own stories using traditional Aboriginal symbols.
The official launch of NAIDOC Week in Wyndham will take place at the Wyndham Civic Centre on 7 July with a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, flag raising, a performance by Wemba Wemba artist Breanna Lee Wilson and a community morning tea.
Performing arts also feature prominently during the week. Wyndham Cultural Centre will host Arterial on 5 July, an award-winning contemporary circus performance exploring the enduring connections between First Nations people, culture and Country through breathtaking acrobatics and live performance.
Literature lovers can attend a free conversation with award-winning author Tony Birch at Manor Lakes Library on 9 July, where he will discuss his latest collection, Pictures of You, before signing copies of the book.
Families can round out the celebrations at Wyndham Cultural Centre on 11 July with Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky, a children’s performance combining storytelling and live classical music inspired by First Nations culture and heritage.
Many of the events are free, while some performances require bookings or paid tickets. Residents are encouraged to book early where required, with several library sessions operating on limited ticket allocations.
For more information about Wyndham’s NAIDOC Week program and booking details, visit Wyndham City’s events calendar.
