NAIDOC Week is being celebrated across Melton this week with residents honouring their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander neighbours.
And everyone can get creative, making special white butterfly kites representing Bullum Bullum, which means “white butterfly” and symbolises freedom of expression.
The kites will be flown this weekend at Burnside’s Carinya Park. The suburb also contains Bullum Bullum Reserve, named after Julia Jones, a Wurundjeri elder known as Bullum Bullum.
Melton mayor Bob Turner is encouraging residents to join in the festivities and celebrate the history, culture and multiple achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
“The city of Melton has a long and rich Aboriginal history and is home to many places of cultural significance,” Cr Turner said.
He said it was important to acknowledge the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognise the role they had played in shaping Melton’s identity.
A kite-making workshop was held on Wednesday at Melton Community Hall, when the council also acknowledged the indigenous history of the land with a smoking and flag raising ceremony.
A family kite-flying event follows this Saturday at Carinya Park from 11.30am to 1pm, allowing the NAIDOC celebrations to take to the skies. Free transport is available from Melton Youth Services at 10.30am.
For further information about Melton Council’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, visit www.melton.vic.gov.au.
