Visiting Hours: Maryborough Hospital 10am-6pm, 7 days / Aged Care - visitors welcome, no set hours

Two women wearing parkas. They are smiling

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 Pony Club on Thursday 27 June.

The family fun day will start at 10.00 am with cultural activities including a cleansing ceremony, traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country.

The program includes clinics run by Netball Victoria, AFL Victoria and performances by Baarlinjan Dance Group. There will be free and fun activities for all ages including crafts, painting, art, BBQ, stalls, music, displays, giveaways and more.

This fantastic event brings the whole community together to celebrate First Nations culture with many local organisations pitching in to make the day successful.

Our community services team is proud to be part of the celebrations again. Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers Kymberley and Tonya will run art and jewellery-making activities. Our pedal-powered smoothie bike will be up and running to start the conversation around healthy eating and physical activity. We’ll also have a cosy corner for breastfeeding.

The theme this year is Keep the Fire Burning – Blak, loud and proud. It honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture. The fire symbolises connection to Country, to each other and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

What:  NAIDOC Celebrations 2024

When: 10:00am – 2.00pm, Thursday 27 June 2024

Where: Maryborough Pony Club, 15 Johnson St, Maryborough

The event is organised by a local NAIDOC committee with strong support from organisations and community groups.

About NAIDOC

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia from 7- 14 July 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.

Come and get to know your local First Nations community at this event.

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