Living Here
Experience annual NAIDOC Week activities at a range of Council venues
Annual NAIDOC Week begins on Sun 4 July when activities and events will be held throughout the country to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples
This year’s theme of ‘Heal Country!’ is a call for everyone to seek increased protection for land, water and sacred sites as part of Australia’s national heritage.
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said it would be reflected at Council venues such as the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum (GRAGM), regional libraries and the Tondoon Botanic Gardens.
“Council will always be committed to working with the Aboriginal community and Torres Strait Islander community to achieve a better understanding of Country and to help protect, recognise and maintain its culture and heritage,” Councillor Burnett said.
“Through supporting celebrations like NAIDOC Week and our own Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), we will continue to strengthen our community partnerships and celebrate our region’s rich history,” he said.
Everyone is invited to experience the talents of our First Nations people through local art and GRAGM’s NAIDOC Collection.
The 2021 NAIDOC Exhibition profiles art, heritage works and local voices, memories, images and cultural connections.
Byellee artist, Patricia Coleman, has an exhibition of new works expressing the artist’s interpretation of the Kardabai Region (Gladstone).
Cr Burnett said Patricia had represented Byellee Country, Life and Language through her intricate dot and line work, using different colours to show the beauty of things important to her and the Byellee Nation.
“This exhibition is a must-see for locals and visitors to the region.
“Another performance to take in will be from Gooreng Gooreng Elders Aunties Jacki Johnson, Juliri Ingra and Neola Savage who will present contemporary music at the Gallery as part of the week’s celebrations,” Cr Burnett said.
Gladstone Region families can learn about the oldest continuing culture on the planet through story time and craft at Council’s libraries.
On Wednesday 7 July, adults and children under five are invited to visit the Gladstone City Library for activities in Library Square.
Please bring a hat and sunscreen to enjoy some outdoor play along with stories, games and craft.
Another destination to explore during NAIDOC Week is the Tondoon Botanic Gardens where visitors can find hidden totems and native plants.
The NAIDOC march and Family Day/Expo that were to have been held on Friday 9 July have been postponed until 1 October, because of concerns about recent COVID developments in various local government areas.
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