Let’s celebrate Aboriginal Children’s Day

Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) and The Nest are inviting local families to celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day at a free community event on Friday 4 August.

The event will run from 10.00am to 2.00pm at The Nest in Maryborough.

The day will include a fantastic line up of children’s activities to celebrate the strength and culture of First Nations families and their children.

“Children’s Day provides an opportunity for us all to show our support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children,” said Kymberley Williams, Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer, Maryborough District Health Service.

“We can do this by coming together as a community to celebrate and learn more about their stories and culture through things like dance, art, ceremony and song.

“Building strong family and community connections helps our kids grow strong in their culture and thrive.

“This in turn will help our children feel safe and proud of who they are, to help them flourish and build a strong voice for the future,” she said.

This is important because Aboriginal children still face higher levels of disadvantage in areas such as health, housing and schooling compared to non-Aboriginal children.

The Children’s Day celebration will start with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony at 10.00am, and will include a free BBQ with healthy options.

Fun and educational activities include weaving with sticks and twine, a craft area, an Aboriginal dance workshop, making a Lei (traditional bracelets/anklets), instruments and more.

“Come along and have some fun. We had fantastic day last year with lots of children from local primary schools, kinders and pre-schools as well as individual families in the region,” said Kymberley.

While you can just turn up on the day MDHS is encouraging RSVPs for catering purposes.

What: Children’s Day Celebration – Little Voices Loud Future

When: 10.00am – 2.00pm, Friday 4 August

Where: The Nest, 91 Nolan Street, Maryborough (next to the library).

To find out more information or to RSVP contact Kymberley Williams, Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer on (03) 5461 0333 or [email protected].