NAIDOC Week in Maryborough

graphic of leaves

Two of our staff members – Elly and Frances – attended Anglicare Victoria’s free community event to celebrate NAIDOC Week at Princes Park in Maryborough last week.

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. It is not only celebrated by Aboriginal communities, but by all Australians from different walks of life. This year’s NAIDOC theme is ‘Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future.’

The Maryborough event kicked off at 10am with an Acknowledgement of Country by Raylene Harradine, the CEO of Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative, and an introduction to the day. NAIDOC themed stalls were set up in the function room displaying Indigenous Australian artwork, crafts, native animals, merchandise and tourist information. Children’s activities were available such as face painting, a jumping castle and outside games. There were also junior and senior football and netball games played outside throughout the day.

Intereach hosted a stall with information about our programs and services and ran a hand painting activity to create an Aboriginal flag.

Lunch was provided with a Kup-Murri (Torres Strait Islander Food and Feasting Ceremony/Lunch) along with a free community BBQ, as well as tea and coffee available throughout the day.