Community: A little rain was not enough to stop the Benalla community celebrating NAIDOC week on Tuesday, Juiy 4.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Despite the threat of rain, Benalla's NAIDOC Week celebrations were an outstanding success with around 120 community members participating in festivities on July 4.
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Benalla Rural City Council, Benalla Health, and the Benalla Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group were thrilled at the event's impressive turnout, held under the theme ‘For Our Elders’.
Located at the Benalla Civic Centre, the event signified a significant moment of unity and respect.
First Nations: Aunty Cheryl Cooper unveiling a quilt created by a number of local Aboriginal woman and funded by Vacca.
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Contributed
The day began with a Welcome to Country conducted by Uncle Greg James, a proud Yorta Yorta man, and the first Aboriginal Councillor at the city of Greater Shepparton.
An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag raising ceremony followed with Torres Strait Islander community member Sakina Babia, Yorta Yorta elder Aunty Cheryl Cooper and Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn tasked with raising the flags.
Following the Flag Raising Ceremony, the rain could not dampen spirits at the smoking ceremony which took place at the Benalla Lakeside Community Centre.
Conducted by proud Yorta Yorta woman Nikki James, with Kieran Oats paying didgeridoo, this powerful healing ritual fostered a deep sense of connection and harmony.
Tradition: A smoking ceremony was held outside the Lakeside Community Centre before NAIDOC week celebrations began.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
Once inside art and craft sessions gave younger generations an opportunity to learn about First Nations culture and express their creativity.
Storytime, led by Aunty Gayelene Arandall, was popular with the younger children, while the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency quilt, a community project involving a number of local Aboriginal women, was also unveiled.
Culture: Stacey Thrum, Amy Butler and Ben O'Dwyer representing the Victorian Aboriginal Childcare Agency.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
The day also provided the opportunity to thank Aunty Patsy Bollard, Aunty Desiree Walker, Aunty Cheryl Cooper, Aunty Carol Alliman and Aunty Gayelene Arandall for their tireless work in the community.
Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn said she enjoyed the NAIDOC Week celebrations, emphasising the importance of promoting unity and cultural understanding within the community.
Lobbying: Benalla Community members supporting the Yes vote, for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament were represented at Benalla's NAIDOC week celebrations.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“The NAIDOC Week events provided us with a valuable opportunity to honour and appreciate the remarkable contributions made by our First Nations community,’ Cr Hearn said.
“We were thrilled to see over 120 community members join us in commemorating NAIDOC Week 2023.
Together: Community members had an opportunity to see, and learn about, indigenous culture and crafts at Benalla's NAIDOC week celebrations.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“These events have further strengthened community bonds here in Benalla.”
Cr Hearn extended her gratitude to the Benalla Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, whose collaboration and guidance ensured the success of the celebrations.
The event was supported by various stallholders including VACCA, Winton Wetlands, Thales, Services Australia, Benalla Health, the Aboriginal History Group, and the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service bus.
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