Honouring Elders past, present and emerging

The City of Whittlesea is celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during NAIDOC Week. 

The theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week, which runs from 2-9 July, is “For Our Elders” and pays homage to the unique role Elders play in their communities.  

This theme was a focus of Council’s NAIDOC Week morning tea event at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre on Monday. 

Federal Member for McEwan Rob Mitchell and State Member for Mill Park The Honourable Lily D’Ambrosio were both in attendance. 

Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said Council was proud to support First Nations communities within the municipality by holding and supporting a number of events throughout the week. 

“These events will help our residents increase their knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customs, protocols and traditions,” she said. 

Attendees were also provided with updates on some of Council’s major projects supporting First Nations people, including an Aboriginal Gathering Place at Quarry Hills and developing a new Reconciliation Action Plan. 

Among the events this week is a free pop-up playgroup at the Whittlesea Community Centre from 9.30am to 11.30am on 5 July that will feature stories from Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Ian Hunter and other Aboriginal-themed children’s activities. 

Also on 5 July, from 11am to 3pm at the Laurimar Community Activity Centre, there will be a ‘Dancing Our Stories: Teen Workshop’ designed for young Koori people, their friends and others aged between 12 and 18 years. 

For more information about these and other NAIDOC Week events, go to www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/naidocweek