Photo by Barbara Oehring
Every year in July, NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. NAIDOC, which stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, can be traced back to the 1920s when Aboriginal groups sought to increase awareness in the wider community.
The celebrations are not limited to the Indigenous communities as an increasing number of government agencies, community and sporting groups, local councils, workplaces and schools, host a range of activities in July. They offer a great opportunity to support and recognise the contributions Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.
Below are events hosted by the Knox City Council.
‘Victoria for Treaty’ spray painted to Marie Wallace football oval
When: Monday July 1, 2019 (time TBC)
Where: Cnr of Bayswater Rd and Mountain Hwy, Bayswater
Meet the Boomers Basketball Team, Bayswater Football Club and the Victorian Treaty Advancement Committee.
The Sapphires
When: Thurs July 4, 2019 (8pm)
Where: Knox Community Arts Centre
Cost: Adult $35, Concession $32, Groups 6+ $30
The Sapphires is a funny, heart-warming tale inspired by the true story of Tony Brigg’s mother. It portrays the incredible journey of four Yorta Yorta Women who sing Motown hits against the backdrop of personal change and massive social upheaval. It is an energetic, fun and engaging play that affirms life and the realisation of dreams.
The Reading Hour – including ‘My Kind’, a book written by AFL legend Eddie Betts
When: Thurs July 11, 2019 (9:30am)
Where: Ferntree Gully Library
Free event
Warrigal Creek Massacre Film Screening and Panel Discussion
When: Thurs July 11, 2019 (6:30pm)
Where: Knox Community Arts Centre
Free Event
Mission Songs Project
When: Fri July 12, 2019 (2pm)
Where: Knox Community Art Centre
Cost: Adult $20, Concession $18, Groups 6+ $16
Presented by Jessie Lloyd, Mission Songs Project faithfully explores the musical journey of Indigenous Australian music as the Mission Songs Quartet connects the traditional with contemporary, revealing the continuation of cultural practice and song traditions into the 21st Century.
For more information, visit the Knox Council NAIDOC site here.
Prasadini Nanayakkara
