Australians of all backgrounds will come together in Parramatta to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures during NAIDOC Week, culminating in Burramatta NAIDOC Day on Sunday 14 July at Pavilion Flat, Parramatta Park.
This year's NAIDOC theme, 'Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let's work together for a shared future', encourages the discussion and understanding of our history as Australians in order to move forward.
"I encourage everyone to come down to Parramatta Park on 14 July to learn about and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, stories and traditions," City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Andrew Wilson said.
"Parramatta has been home to the Aboriginal community for thousands of years, so it's wonderful to have a local annual event that honours our Indigenous people and their achievements.
"With a large variety of Indigenous musical performances, workshops and market stalls, this year's Burramatta NAIDOC Day program is bigger and better than ever."
Running between 10:30am and 5pm, the program features Aboriginal comedian Steph Tisdell, who will take to the stage as MC before performing her stand-up comedy set later in the day. Hip-hop artist Tasman Keith will lead a stellar line-up of Indigenous musicians, including iconic Aboriginal rock band Coloured Stone, country singers Maddi Lyn and Jarrod Hickling, Shane and Pete Riley, and folk group The Illume Girls.
Event attendees are invited to take part in a range of free activities throughout the day, including: weaving workshops; Aboriginal astronomy and stargazing; traditional arts and crafts; Darug language; and storytelling. The GWS Giants will also host AFL skills and drills.
The Burramatta Markets also have plenty to offer, with more than 20 stalls selling their wares - from food and art to clothing and jewellery. For those on the hunt for some tucker, the food truck by catering company Mirritya Mundya will be serving up a range of sharable platter boxes with an 'Indigenous twist'.
In conjunction with the event, on Sunday 14 July at 7pm, Riverside Theatres will be showing a free screening of Emu Runner, followed by a Q&A session with the film's director Imogen Thomas and cast member Lindsay Waites. Emu Runner tells the story of a young Indigenous girl who forms a very special bond with a wild emu in a unique Australian story of love and loss. Bookings are essential. To reserve your tickets, visit the Riverside Parramatta website.
