For Our Elders – NAIDOC celebrations coming soon

Everyone in the Central Goldfields community is invited to come along to celebrate and learn more about First Nations culture at an early NAIDOC celebration at Maryborough Education Centre (MEC) on Thursday 22 June.

The event will kick off at 11am with a women’s cleansing and healing ceremony, a traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country.

The program includes clinics run by Netball Victoria, AFL Victoria, free and fun activities for all ages including crafts, painting, Koorie games, Indigenous art, BBQ, stalls, music, displays and more.

Asteria Services Support Officer Michelle Rafferty has led the organisation and planning of the event since its inception twelve years ago.

“The event brings the whole community together as one to celebrate our First Nations culture,” said Ms Rafferty.

“Twelve years ago we had just $500 to get the event up and running. It’s been wonderful to see local NAIDOC celebrations grow over the years.

“So many local organisations pitch in to make the day a success, with nothing being too much trouble. It goes to show what a priority this celebration is for our community.

“The positive impact goes far beyond the event,” said Ms Rafferty.

This is the second year MEC has offered to host the event.

“Last year was a great success with many community members joining us in a celebration of culture,” said MEC Principal David Sutton.

“We welcome the event and look forward to it as a way of supporting our Aboriginal students and their families.

“The event also allows non-aboriginal students to learn from the experience,” he said.

“The highlight of the day is sure to be the Jungle City Project, who are running dance workshops and performing at the start of the day after the Welcome to Country.

“There will be giveaways for the kids and all the local schools are invited. We are encouraging different year levels to attend.

“The theme this year is For Our Elders, which is the foundation of the day. It’s important to learn from Aboriginal elders and the key role they have played and continue to play in Aboriginal culture,” said Mr Sutton.

The event is organised by the NAIDOC committee, led by Asteria Services, with numerous other local organisations contributing.

What: NAIDOC Celebrations 2023
When: 11:00am – 3pm, Thursday 22 June 2023
Where: Maryborough Education Centre, 102 Balaclava Rd, Maryborough VIC 3465

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each year to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, and is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations culture and histories, and participate in the celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through this local event at MEC.

For more information on NAIDOC Week and how to get involved visit naidoc.org.au