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Join the Festivities and Commemorate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage in Wyndham City
Wyndham City will commemorate NAIDOC Week 2023 by organizing a series of complimentary events that highlight the culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The festivities will encompass various activities, including NAIDOC week story time, craft sessions, the Wayapa Wuurrk Workshop, art exhibitions, and a screening of the documentary “You Can Go Now.”
As part of the celebrations, Wyndham City is collaborating with organizations to host the NAIDOC Running Festival at Presidents Park on Sunday, July 9, from 10:30 am to 4 pm. Additionally, several other community events are planned to encourage participation and engagement.
NAIDOC Week is an annual nationwide observance that will take place this year from Sunday, July 2, to Sunday, July 9. Mayor Cr Susan McIntyre of Wyndham City expressed the significance of NAIDOC Week, stating, “NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is celebrated by all Australians.”
She further emphasized the importance of the NAIDOC Week events in Wyndham City, as they offer residents an excellent opportunity to partake in a range of activities that recognize and support the diverse contributions Aboriginal Australians make to the community. Cr Susan McIntyre extended an invitation to residents from all backgrounds to participate in the various events and activities that commemorate NAIDOC Week.
NAIDOC Running Festival 2022
To enhance the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture, Wyndham Art Gallery is currently showcasing two significant exhibitions, namely IWARA and Enduring, until July 30. IWARA, a solo exhibition by Robert Fielding, a contemporary artist of Yankunytjatjara, Western Arrente, Pakistani, and Afghan descent, is displayed on the upper floor. On the lower floor, the exhibition Enduring showcases Wyndham City’s First Nations Visual Art acquisitions from the past three years, featuring notable works that revolve around history, place, and identity.
Deputy Mayor Cr Jennie Barrera, who holds the Welcoming City Portfolio for Wyndham City, highlighted the theme of NAIDOC Week 2023, which is “For our Elders.” She emphasized the significant role that Elders play in communities and families across all generations. Wyndham City takes immense pride in its indigenous heritage, with over 2,511 residents identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Many suburbs and facilities within the city bear Aboriginal names or honor Aboriginal individuals.
Various NAIDOC activities for children will be hosted by Wyndham Libraries to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history. The Pop-Up library will organize an Australian Animal Craft session from 10:30 am to 11:30 am on Monday, July 3, at Mainview Boulevard Family Centre. Additionally, several library locations will hold NAIDOC story times, including Julia Gilliard Library on Tuesday, July 4, from 1 pm to 1:45 pm, Williams Landing Library Lounge on Wednesday, July 5, from 10:30 am to 11:15 am, and the Point Cook Town Centre on Wednesday, July 5, from 1 pm to 1:30 pm. Moreover, Manor Lakes Library will offer a Wayapa Wuurrk Workshop for adults on Tuesday, July 4, from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Bookings are required for this workshop.
Overall, the NAIDOC Week events organized by Wyndham City aim to foster inclusivity and encourage the community to embrace and honor the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
