Tabcorp Park hosted the first NAIDOC Ball in the west in a decade on Saturday, July 15, in a night for Aboriginal community from across Melbourne’s west to come together and celebrate community.
The Western NAIDOC Ball brought more than 380 people gathered for a three course meal, live entertainment and music, and awards.
Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation chief executive and event organiser Uncle Peter Webster said the night brought together western community and Aboriginal-led organisations.
“[It was about] celebrating our history, our culture, and who we are and letting everybody know we are here in the west,” he said.
“There is a community out here, we’re going to continue to be here, and we’re going to grow.”
Awards on the night included Mr and Mrs NAIDOC, which went to Aunty Joyce and Uncle Boots Cooper, a female and a male elder award which went to Aunty Pauline Cassidy and Uncle Peter Webster, two community awards which went to Chelsea Lovett-Ahern and Lisa Saunders, and a youth award which went to Ben Walker.
The event was organised by Cooinda, Cooee Bunji, VACCA, Djirra, Koling wada-ngal, The Wellness Foundation and Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation.
