National NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week celebrations are held each year in the first week of July.
The week, celebrated from Sunday 3 to Sunday 10 July this year, is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme this year is Get Up! Stand Up! Speak Up! and calls on all Australians to continue to push for change.
Greater Dandenong City Council values and recognises local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, heritage and their connection to Country. We respectfully acknowledge the Bunurong people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters in and around Greater Dandenong.
During NAIDOC Week we encourage all residents to get involved in local activities to find out more about the oldest recognised culture in the world.
The following events will take place locally in the lead up to and during NAIDOC Week:
Dreamtime Storytime
Monday 27 June, 2.30pm-4.30pm
Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale
Registration is required
Featuring a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony held at the Waa and Bulln Bulln Corroboree (Springvale ceremonial fire pit), followed by a self-guided arts workshop.
To register visit the link above or telephone the Libraries 1300 630 920.
The Sapphires performance
Thursday 30 June, 7.30pm
Drum Theatre, Corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong
Bookings required
Featuring a Welcome to Country by a Bunurong Elder. Embrace this heart-warming story of four Yorta Yorta Women, who like singing country music, as they suddenly get the chance to change their tune and their lives. Wearing sequins and armed only with microphones, they find themselves trying to spread joy in the hell of Vietnam war.
To purchase tickets visit the link above or telephone the Drum Box Office 8571 1666.
Celebrating NAIDOC Week at Dandenong Market
Sunday 3 July, 10am -2.30pm
Dandenong Market, Cleeland Street, Dandenong
Registrations are not required
Family-friendly and free activities at the Dandenong Market, starting with a traditional Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation from 10am. Participate in a performance workshop with the Indigenous Outreach Project from 10.45am and from 11.30am onwards explore Indigenous culture through craft making with Wurruck Yambo and create a mural and learn about Indigenous culture with Leah Sandow.
This event is part of In Situ, funded through the City of Greater Dandenong as part of the Victorian Government’s Outdoor Economy Package.
Aboriginal Children’s Family Basketball Tournament
Tuesday 5 July - Thursday 7 July
Dandenong Stadium, 270 Stud Road, Dandenong
Come and support 50 junior Aboriginal basketball teams compete from across the state during NAIDOC Week.
To find out more, telephone the Dandenong Stadium 9794 7192.
NAIDOC Week Film Night - Ablaze (PG) - Libraries After Dark
Thursday 7 July, 7.30pm -9pm
Dandenong Library, 225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
Registrations are not required
Join us for a special NAIDOC Week screening of the newly-released film Ablaze, a true story of the first Aboriginal filmmaker William Bill Onus. Ablaze tells the story of Bill Onus, a Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri man from Victoria, a truly heroic cultural and political figure who revived his peopleʼs culture in the 1940s and ignited a civil rights movement that would, against enormous odds, change the course of history.
This event is part of Libraries After Dark, designed for ages 16+ years.
Bush Animals Workshop
Friday 8 July, 1pm-4pm
Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre
Registration is required
Inspired by the Tjanpi Desert Weavers, Aunty Bronwyn Razem will teach you how to sculpture hay with wool to create a bush animal with real personality.
Aunty Bronwyn was born in Gunditjmara Country, and comes from a long lineage of traditional weavers. She learned from her grandmother Georgina and mother Zelda Couzens. Bronwyn has played a vital role in the revival of traditional eel traps. In 2013, her eel trap with emu feathers granted her the Acquisitive Award in the Victorian Indigenous Arts Award. Both the National Museum in Canberra and Art Gallery of Ballarat hold her works in their permanent collection.
To register visit the link above or telephone Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre 9706 8441
Kutcha Edwards performance
Friday 8 July, 7:30pm
Drum Theatre, Corner Lonsdale and Walker streets, Dandenong
Bookings required
Featuring a Welcome to Country by a Bunurong Elder. A performance by renowned Aboriginal singer/songwriter and proud Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta and Nari Nari man, Kutcha Edwards.
The show is arranged in sequences exploring Kutcha’s life through the themes of Country, birth, youth, politics, love, culture, healing and hope. Kutcha’s new album Circling Time features songs chosen to complement each thematic segment of the show.
To purchase tickets visit the link above or telephone the Drum Box Office 8571 1666.
On display in Harmony Square, Dandenong throughout NAIDOC Week will be artworks and artifacts by Bunurong artist Heather Kennedy.
