This Friday September 7 Armidale Dumaresq Council will be hosting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Community Day.
In NAIDOC’s ‘Spirit of the Tent Embassy … 40 years on’ this day is an opportunity to celebrate ATSI identity.
Everyone is invited to assemble from 10.00am at Central Park in Armidale. A street march will commence at 10.30am from Central Park to the Mall where guest speakers will make a presentation honouring the Tent Embassy and NAIDOC.
Following the march, a Community Open Day will be held at Doody Park (the former YCW) in Canambe Street, East Armidale from 11.30am — 4.00pm. Activities planned to celebrate ATSI identity include:
A NAIDOC/Department of Fair Trading art exhibition opening at noon with presentation of prizes;
Elders story telling;
Didge music and dance workshops – Dhinawan Dreaming (sponsored by the Benevolent Society);
Traditional Indigenous games;
Touch competition hosted by Armidale High School’s Clontarf Academy;
Presentations by Minimbah School, Armidale High School’s Aboriginal Dance Group, Buskers;
Expo of services and programs available for the ATSI community;
Barbeque featuring Aboriginal bush tucker plus much more.
In addition to this vast variety of activities, from 6.30pm at the Armidale City Bowling Club, Aboriginal Comedian Shaun Choolburra and local artist Gumbaingerri Sunrise are performing. Tickets costing $12 will be sold at the door.
“Everyone is welcome to see, taste, hear and try all these great activities we have lined up,” said Steve Widders, ADC’s Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer.
“The day’s activities at Doody Park are free, so there is nothing to hold you back.”
