09 July, 2018

NAIDOC Week Comes To Rundle Mall

There will be animals to pat and hold, native produce to taste, interactive weaving demonstrations, and an opportunity to get involved in building a Wodli shelter with Deadly Mob. Local musicians Hannah Yates and Corey Theatre will provide the music.

City of Adelaide Deputy Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor will officially open the event by unveiling Aboriginal flag banners under the Gawler Place Canopy.

“NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by all Australians,” said the Deputy Lord Mayor.

“Celebrating NAIDOC Week in Rundle Mall, one of the city’s busiest areas, provides a great opportunity for everyone to participate in a range of activities and to support our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“I encourage everyone to come along on Tuesday to get involved in the workshops, watch the performances, and try some native foods. There are many other activities happening in the city throughout the week as well, so join in and celebrate NAIDOC Week.”

NAIDOC Week 2018 will be held nationally from Sunday 8 July and continue through to Sunday 15 July. This year’s theme Because of her, we can! celebrates the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made – and continue to make – to community, family, history and the nation.

Dual Chairperson of the City of Adelaide’s Reconciliation Committee and esteemed Elder of both Kaurna and Narungga descent, Aunty Yvonne Agius, said that this year’s theme is about telling the courageous stories of the many women who fought long and hard for Aboriginal rights.

“They were our heroes and our pioneers for what we have today – better access to education, housing, health care, legal rights, childcare. These women fought for our human rights and led the way to make life better for Aboriginal women and our community in general,” Aunty Yvonne said.

Lorelle Hunter, who designed the footpath artwork in Rundle Mall, said that being a mother has given her a strong connection to this year’s theme.

“My artwork, called ‘Mother’s Strength’ represents the happiness, love, protection and joy we have for our babies, and how sometimes we need to call upon our ancestors, mothers, grandmothers, aunties and sisters for that added strength to do what we need to do for our children”, said Lorelle.

“These women in our lives teach us valuable lessons and help shape us into the people we become.”

Various activities and events will be held throughout the city during NAIDOC Week, ranging from cultural awareness training, drawing workshops, and several art exhibitions.

To find out more about NAIDOC Week activities, please visit cityofadelaide.com.au/NAIDOC

Paula Stevens