City of Mount Gambier will acknowledge and celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community during NAIDOC Week, 2 - 9 July 2023.
The NAIDOC Week 2023 theme is 'For Our Elders' acknowledging the significant role that our Elders have played, and continue to play, in our community.
"Our Elders are the holders of wisdom and knowledge, the custodians of an ancient culture, and their leadership in our community in both direct and indirect ways, is truly significant," City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said.
"Through my role as Mayor, I have been privileged to meet, learn from and work alongside many of our Elders. I've admired their influence, their knowledge and passion, their long-held connection to this country and their strong, unwavering commitment to our community."
To mark the start of local NAIDOC Week celebrations, Council collaborated with Pangula Mannamurna Aboriginal Corporation, Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation and Aboriginal Family Services to host a Mayoral Reception and deliver cultural activities such as a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, a flag raising ceremony. This event is followed by the return of the community march down Commercial Street West to Pangula Mannamurna for the annual NAIDOC Awards and community barbecue.
"It was wonderful to see the return of these important cultural activities after a hiatus in recent years due to COVID," the Mayor said.
"It was made even more special to hold the activities at Cave Garden/Thugi, one of six sites of cultural significance here in Mount Gambier/Berrinthat have been officially reunited with their Bunganditj names."
NAIDOC week programs will run at the Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre and the Mount Gambier Library this week, including:
Wednesday 5 July, 2:00pm - 5:00pm, City Hall
NAIDOC Week Expo
The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre and Mount Gambier Library will be one of many stallholders exploring First Nations culture. An opportunity to yarn with Elders, learn basket weaving, children's face painting, artefact displays, artwork and much more.
Thursday 6 July, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Frew Park
NAIDOC Week Community Breakfast
Enjoy a warm breakfast from the @Rapid Relief Team AU before embarking on the Nunga Trail and joining in games, crafts and activities. Dress in light, plain clothing and join in a Colour Run as the event's finale.
Thursday 6 July at 10:00am, City Hall, The Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre
Aunty Michelle presents a Theatrical Adaption of Craitbul
Community members and schools are invited to watch the first live performance of 'Craitbul' performed by Reidy Park Primary School Year 3 and 4 students. Playwright by Aunty Michelle, co-directed by Brooke Winterfield.
Council has also provided in-kind support for a special luncheon for Elders, hosted by local agencies, to be held at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre on Friday 7 July 2023.
