NAIDOC Week will be held July 7 to 14 to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
The 2024 theme is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.
‘Keep the Fire Burning’ recognises the vitality and endurance of culture and is a nod to connection with Country and community, while ‘Blak, Loud and Proud’ represents the celebration of identity.
There will be numerous opportunities for Geelong locals and visitors to engage with NAIDOC Week events in our region.
SATURDAY JULY 6
The Wathaurong NAIDOC Ball will be held at The Pier, Geelong to celebrate the achievements of the local Aboriginal community and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.
This will start at 6pm. Tickets are on sale via the Wathaurong website.
MONDAY JULY 8
The annual NAIDOC Week flag-raising event to officially launch NAIDOC Week will be held at Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative in North Geelong. This will start at 11am and is free.
Preschool story time – a story and craft session to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – will be held at Geelong Library & Heritage Centre at 10.30am. This is suitable for ages 3 and over. Bookings are not required.
TUESDAY JULY 9
Gathering Place: Western Gully an exhibition of early drawings, photographs and maps uncovering hidden histories for NAIDOC Week will be on display at Geelong Library & Heritage Centre. This will run from July 9 to 14. Bookings are not required.
The Junior Mix school holiday drop-in session at 10.30am at Geelong Library & Heritage Centre will offer students aged 5-plus the opportunity to create a NAIDOC Week masterpiece using recycled paper. Bookings are not required.
Ikaka Ardla: Keep the Fire Burning training sessions will be held across the week to honour First Nations wisdom and enable participants to develop a deeper understanding of fire, its purpose, its use, its forms, and responsibility. These sessions will be held at Studio 3, Geelong Arts Centre with the first at 9.30am. Information and tickets are available at the Arranyinha Eventbrite page.
WEDNESDAY JULY 10
A First Nations Creatives’ Panel Discussion at 6pm at Geelong Library & Heritage Centre will celebrate creativity in this region and First Nations artists who are transforming the local arts scene. It will feature Aunty Fay Muir, Mick Ryan, Kelly Koumalatsos and author Sue Lawson will lead the panel discussion. Register via the Geelong Regional Libraries
Corporation website.
The Worksafe Celebrating NAIDOC morning tea at 10.30am will feature Wadawurrung Woman and Artist, Chloe Chatterton to discuss her artwork for Worksafe Victoria’s Reconciliation Action Plan, and her connection to Country. Wadawurrung Elder Aunty Mary will also join at the launch located in the new yarning circle area at Level 2, 1 Malop St.
Please RSVP to Worksafe Victoria.
THURSDAY JULY 11
First Nations Films on Kanopy at Belmont Library will provide an opportunity to learn about the range of films featuring First Nations actors, filmmakers, and storytellers. This will start at 2pm. Register via the Geelong Regional Libraries Corporation website.
First Peoples Culinary School Dinner at The Gordon (TAFE), Geelong, 6pm. Tickets available at The Gordon Eventbrite page or please contact my office for more information.
FRIDAY JULY 12
Wadawurrung Aboriginal Cultural Experience, led by experienced Wadawurrung Traditional Owner educators, will provide the opportunity to dive deep into the history, culture, and places of Wadawurrung Country. The bus departs from Murran – First Nations Hub at 10am. Register via the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
Trybooking site.
The NAIDOC Week Naarm/Melbourne March will be at 10am. Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative will provide bus transport to and from Melbourne for community members who would like to attend the march. The bus will leave from Morgan Street, North Geelong at 8.30am. Register a place on the bus via the Wathaurong website.
I encourage you to engage in NAIDOC Week events in Geelong and beyond to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
Please contact my office if you require more information about these events or NAIDOC Week.
Christine Couzens MP
State Member for Geelong
Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples
