National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is a time to recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. This year it will run from July 3 to July 10. Read on to learn about the events happening around Melton and Moorabool.
■ NAIDOC Arts Market
Melton council will host a free arts market on Saturday July 2 from 12:30pm, curated by local Kamilaroi woman and artist Lucy Webster. The family-friendly event will feature a market featuring handmade arts and crafts made by local Elders and community members. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit Ms Webster’s art exhibition Winanga Burruguu. There will be traditional games and a drop-in arts workshop from 1:30pm, where a children’s art space will have painting activities inspired by the art exhibition and games to play from communities across Australia. Visitors will also be welcomed to join in a yarning circle which will focus on the Dreaming stories featured in Ms Webster’s art. There will be a free barbeque at 1:30pm.
■ City of Melton NAIDOC Week
Melton council are hosting a NAIDOC Week celebration on Wednesday, July 6 from 2pm. There will be a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, live cultural performances and light refreshments. The event will be held at the Melton Community Hall. RSVP to Shane Evans on 9747 5915.
■ Woven Raffia Bracelet making
Follow along with a recorded film of Indigenous Artist and Weaver Michelle Napanangka Earl, a proud Darkinjung woman with Wonnarua ties. All ages welcome, held at the Ballan Library on Monday July 4 from 2pm and Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh on Thursday, July 7 with sessions at 10am and 2pm. Book in through Eventbrite or via the council website.
■ NAIDOC Week BacchChat and story time
Join Jayden Lillyst, a Gunditjmara singer, songwriter and educator for the July BacchChat at Lerderderg Library on Saturday, July 9. BacchChat will run from 10am-12pm, followed by a special NAIDOC story time with Jayden Lillyst at 1pm.
■ Melton South Junior Football and Netball Club Indigenous round.
The Panthers will commemorate NAIDOC Week with a special Indigenous round match on July 10 at Melton Recreation Reserve. The event will start at 8am, with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony and breakfast available. There will be activities for kids from 10am, including traditional games, art, colouring in and more. Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation will be at the event facilitating activities. For more information and game times visit the MSJFNC Facebook page.
■ NAIDOC Imagination Magic
Imagination Magic is a monthly performing arts and literacy program for babies, toddlers and pre-school children held. There will be three sessions on Thursday, July 14 across Melton. Murri woman Monica Weightman will introduce children to some basic vocabulary, concepts and symbols from a variety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders cultures. Monica ends the session teaching a traditional lullaby ‘Inanay’. For session details and bookings search on the City of Melton website.
