Hobsons Bay will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the NAIDOC movement with a host of events recognising the history, culture and achievements of First Nations peoples.
The main NAIDOC Week event will be a flag-raising ceremony at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre on Thursday 9 July at 11am, including the Bunurong Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, followed by a community morning tea.
A highlight will be the inclusion of the Yarrabah Songline Dancers visiting Melbourne from Queensland and including former Mayor of Yarrabah, Errol 'Mala' Neal. Hobsons Bay City Council has a friendship alliance with the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council that marks 20 years in 2026.
Other NAIDOC Week events include:
Creek collage
Join Jaeden Williams Briggs for a session of storytelling and hands-on art creation.
Wednesday 1 July, Newport Community Hub
(For ages 5-8: 10am to 11.30am, for ages 9-12: 12pm to 1.30pm)
YA book chat: 50 Years of Deadly
For students in years 7 to 12, unearth some great reads crafted by First Nations writers. Pizza, snacks and refreshments supplied.
Wednesday 1 July, 3.30pm to 5pm, Altona Library
Tony Birch in conversation with Bec Kavanagh
Activist, historian and essayist Tony Birch discusses Pictures of You, a collection of his finest short fiction from the past two decades.
Tuesday 7 July, 6pm to 7.15pm, Williamstown Library
For full details and to book visit our NAIDOC Week page.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Diana Grima:
"In Hobsons Bay, we want to be a community that celebrates the value and diversity of First Nations people, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel a sense of pride and belonging.
"NAIDOC Week provides a chance to learn about First Nations cultures, histories and contributions, and to participate in local events that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"And how wonderful that this year we can celebrate along with the Yarrabah Songline Dancers, with the friendship alliance between Yarrabah and Hobsons Bay marking an amazing 20 years this year."
