Keeping Connected

Reconciliation Week

During Reconciliation week we learned a lot of awesome facts and figures about our people. The Australian Indigenous culture is the oldest living culture in the world and one I am proud to be a part of. I love being part of a community that respects our culture and which allows us to celebrate it especially through our annual Reconciliation Week. We had Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Bill Nicholson do a welcome to country, smoking ceremony and talk a bit about our cultures identity and lost land and languages. Afterwards we raised the flags and enjoyed morning tea with all who came.

NAIDOC Week

This year, with a car we went here there and everywhere for NAIDOC Week! We kicked things off in St Albans for a culture event where the girls beefed necklaces, the boys played the didgeridoo and we all came together to yarn, dance and eat!

On the Tuesday we went to the movies in High Point where VACCA booked out three cinemas for all us mob with free popcorn, drinks and ice cream for everyone! I went to see Cars 3; Nevaeh, Jie, Justine and Hiram went with Carmen and Shay to watch Despicable Me 3 and Jeanette and Janai watched Wonder Woman with Jorja. Afterwards we grabbed some lunch together before trekking home. Everyone had a great time!

Wednesday we headed to Werribee with Carmen and enjoyed a family day! This time our friend Cherie came with us and all the kids had a ball playing, painting boomerangs and rocks, did more beeding and even tried some traditional hip hop dancing with Miss NAIDOC 2017. They received goody bags and a free Tshirt. Another amazing day to remember!

On the Thursday I was up early heading to the local radio station to promote our very own Family Fun Day in Bacchus Marsh! We had Uncle Jayden Lillyst teaching the young ones songs in his language, telling dreamtime stories and showing the kids a story using indigenous ancient art symbols! I think even I learned something new! We also had face and boomerang painting and scratch art and ochre for the kids to enjoy. Traditional games were organised but unfortunately didn't go ahead but we all enjoyed a BBQ and yarn as the day wound down. 

Naidoc 2017 was by far the best! Thank you to all who came to celebrate our beautifully thriving culture with us!! We hope to see you all again next year.