RAMAHYUCK District Aboriginal Corporation (NDAC) celebrated NAIDOC Week on Monday.
Over 100 attendees came to see a Smoking Ceremony, speeches, awards, cultural dancing, Welcome to Country and flag raising.
The event took place at the Noel Yarram (Snr) Centre on Foster St, Sale. Among the crowd were the kids of Gumnuts Early Learning Centre. Chairperson Sandra Neilson opened the event with a Welcome to Country, followed by chief executive Nancy Binotto delivering the opening address.
“This year’s theme ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!’ celebrates those who have and continue to strive for positive change of First Nations peoples and communities,” Ms Binotto said.
“It encourages all of us to champion and drive institutional, structural, and collaborative change, while also acknowledging and celebrating those who for generations have driven positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Communities.
“The theme also considers ways Australians can stand together as advocates and allies and what the future might look like when we all get up, stand up, show up.”
Grattan Mullett from Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation initiated the Smoking Ceremony, with children playing the clapsticks as attendees went through the smoke, guided by the Cultural Connect Dance Group.
“I’d like to give an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the Smoke Ceremony as part of a cleansing,” Mr Mullett said.
The Cultural Connect Dance Group performed once again, and then Azaria Hood, Zac Pepper and Sienna Mullett raised the flags. Guthridge Primary School student Devaj Pattni read out a poem he wrote, and Ms Neilson and Ms Binotto then gave out the NAIDOC Awards to close out the celebration.
Mr Mullett told the Gippsland Times the Smoking Ceremony was a very important cultural practice.
“The Smoking Ceremony along with the Welcome to Country are about welcoming people to the event today as part of NAIDOC Week,” he said.
“It’s great to see a lot of the younger ones participate as well.
“I think ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!’ is really about supporting what NAIDOC is about and celebrating the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien said it was great to come to an event to mark the second day of NAIDOC week.
“It’s good to see a big crowd and I think they’re getting bigger every year,” Mr O’Brien said.
“It’s fantastic for Ramahyuck to have the young kids involved from Gumnuts as well to teach them about First Nations cultures, celebrate it and literally get up, stand up, show up and get involved.
“I certainly encourage everyone to get involved (in all events) and acknowledge our ancient culture that forms part of this land.”
NAIDOC Awards
Elder of the Year: Aunty Maisie Hood
Community Person of the Year: Deborah Leon
Youth of the Year: Beltana Quigley
Sportsperson of the Year: Jacob McKay (age 5)
Organisation of the Year: East Sale RAAF Base
Cultural Connect Dance Group performed as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations.
Azaria Hood, Zac Pepper and Sienna Mullett lead the flag raising ceremony.
