NAIDOC Week starts this Friday

The City of Swan and local Indigenous community members are working together to create a week of celebrations for NAIDOC week starting this Friday, July 6.

NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration) Week celebrates the heritage, culture and future of Indigenous people across Australia, and the theme for its 50th anniversary year in 2007 is “Looking forward, looking blak”.

In the City of Swan, events organised by the Maali Action Group include:

• A flag-raising ceremony on Friday, July 6, at 1.30pm.
• An exhibition of young indigenous artists at the bank gallery; opening at 2.30pm on Friday, July 6. It will be open for viewing until Friday, July 13.
• A hip-hop dance party at the bank gallery at 2 Old Great Northern Highway, Midland, from 6pm on Friday, July 6.
• A lunchtime 'family fun day' barbecue with band Patch Up at Midland Oval, on Tuesday, July 10.
• A fashion parade at Midland Gate Shopping Centre, with two parades 5pm and 7pm on Thursday, July 12.
• A family history display at Midland Gate Shopping Centre, between 9am and 5pm on Friday, July 13.
• A Seniors' Dance to be held at the Midland Sporting Complex on July 14.

City of Swan Mayor Charlie Gregorini encouraged Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members to get involved in NAIDOC Week events.

“The City of Swan is very proud of the close relationship we have with the local Indigenous community, in organising events such as these and in other aspects of civic life,” Cr Gregorini said.

“NAIDOC Week recognises not only the heritage and culture of Indigenous people, but also celebrates the exciting future ahead. It is a very important celebration for our whole community.”

Schools, community groups and other Indigenous artists who wish to contribute to the art exhibition at the bank gallery can telephone Jeff on 0427 082 379.

To find out more information about the events, or to ensure your group’s event is listed in the NAIDOC Week calendar, telephone Sam, Julie or Bev at the Department of Indigenous Affairs Midland, on 9274 4288.

Note: “Looking forward, looking blak” is the official spelling for the theme.

News Article Date: 5/7/2007

© City of Swan 2000-2010