On the 13th of July, indigenous people of Bacchus Marsh and surrounding areas come together to take part in the Naidoc week celebrations in our amazing community. Asked by Cr Tonia Dudzik a few weeks before the national event to raise the Torres Strait Islander flag I was both nervous and excited to do so. Being the only Torres Straight Islander within Bacchus Marsh, and residing here for the past eight years, I looked forward to finally having my peoples flag flown in my home town. A town of which both of my children were born and where I was married. Seeing the flag on the flag pole that day and having my children and I under it meant everything to me. Indigenous to Australia but never recognized, I am proud to call Bacchus Marsh, Australia home and to be raising my children in a community I love.
Our community put on a great event with craft tables for the littlies, a jumping castle for the middlies and didgeridoo fun for the older children. The guys of the Bacchus Marsh Lions Club did a sensational job putting on a free sausage sizzle and warming our bellies with free hot and cold beverages all event long so a big thank you to them. Also want to show my appreciation to Aboriginal artist Jayden Lillyst for the entertainment he provided for us that July day. He opened up with a Christine Anu [reggae style] version of "My island home" and finished with a few requested songs both of his own and iconic to Australia.
All in all, Bacchus Marsh Naidoc Celebrations was an amazing event.
Hopefully the community can get behind us when we get together again next year.
Thank you to all involved and the Moorabool Shire Council for making this event everything it was.
4 replied:
This is very interesting post, Melissa, I enjoyed it.
Many greetings from distant Croatia :)
Glad you enjoyed it Melissa. Here is to many more Naidoc celebrations in future years.
Awesome Mel! - Peter
It sounds like it was an interesting celebration. :)
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