By Candice Boyle
INDIGENOUS Australian culture will be celebrated by more than 300 children next week as part of the annual NAIDOC Week Children’s Day.
This year’s theme, 50 Years: Looking Forward, Looking Blak, has been incorporated into the diverse activities planned to mark the festivities.
Western Metropolitan NAIDOC committee chairwoman Colleen Marion said primary school students from across the municipality would celebrate indigenous culture at RecWest in Braybrook on Wednesday, 27 June.
“It’s a time for all Australians to celebrate the diversity and cultural richness that the Aboriginal community brings to Australia,” she said.
“Children’s day is an opportunity for indigenous young people in our community to celebrate their own culture and introduce their history to their classmates.”
Past events have been given a stamp of approval by young participants and Ms Marion, founder of the Western Suburbs Gathering Place, said this year would be no different.
“The day is full of fun – dancing, traditional indigenous activities, music – and the kids have a chance to meet some sporting heroes,” she said.
Maribyrnong mayor Michael Clarke said the council was always proud to host the annual children’s day, but this year held a special significance.
“Every year, and especially this year, it’s important to instil a sense of pride about the diversity of Aboriginal culture into our young people – and children’s day does just that,” he said.
The staff at the Gathering Place and the NAIDOC committee have worked hard to put together an extensive program for NAIDOC Week and children’s day will be the official beginning of the celebrations.
Children’s activities will include cultural activities and dancing, a visit from the State Emergency Service and police buses, AusKick football clinics, a didgeridoo player and indigenous kite making.
NAIDOC Week Children’s Day will be held at the RecWest Recreation Centre on 27 June.
For details on NAIDOC Week celebrations contact the Gathering Place on 9318 7855.
