Celebrations of NAIDOC Week across Melton and Moorabool drew communities together to celebrate its 50th year, with this year’s theme focusing on the next generation empowered by the legacy of ancestors.
NAIDOC Week – with the acronym standing for ‘National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee’ – is a celebration of the culture, history, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,’ was a celebration of both the achievements of the past and the future ahead, empowered by young leaders, communities’ visions, and the legacy of ancestors.
Several organisation and council-led events were held across both Melton and Moorabool municipalities.
In Melton South, one of Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation’s events was a NAIDOC Week barbecue breakfast and flag raising ceremony at 9am on Monday, July 7.
In line with this year’s theme, five-year-old Jamie joined Kirrip Elders Program community facilitator and Elder Aunty Brenda Fahey to raise the Aboriginal flag.
Attendees also enjoyed a didgeridoo and clap sticks performance by the Kirrip Youth Group, with one of the members also performing a Welcome to Country in Woi Wurrung.
Kirrip chief executive Graham Briggs also spoke at the event, and reflecting on the day, said it was a powerful and heart-warming start to NAIDOC Week.
“What stood out most was the strong sense of community and pride – from Elders to our youngest mob – all gathering together in respect and celebration,” Mr Briggs said.
“‘The Next Generation’ speaks to the responsibility we all have to empower our young people – to ensure they walk strong in their identity, culture, and truth. Strength, vision, and legacy are the pillars we must uphold so the path forward is shaped by pride, not prejudice.
“Let’s continue to invest in our young leaders, listen to them, and walk beside them. Our legacy depends on how well we prepare them to carry the stories, struggles, and successes of our people.”
In Kurunjang, Djirra in the West hosted a NAIDOC Week Family Day on Tuesday, July 8.
Chief executive Antoinette Braybrook said Djirra has always been about the next generation, and Djirra is strong because of the strength of Aboriginal women.
“Aboriginal women keep Djirra focussed and give us strength to continue to advocate for systemic change and to call out system racism and violence. Djirra builds on the strength of Aboriginal women today to create a lasting legacy for future generations,” Ms Braybrook said.
“To all of the kids here today, I want to say: be proud, never doubt yourself, you are loved, reach for the stars, and never give up. We have got you.”
