Flag raising ceremony to mark 2018 NAIDOC Week

This week Ballarat will celebrate NAIDOC Week 2018.  

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The National NAIDOC theme for 2018 is: “Because of Her, We Can”, emphasising and celebrating the active and significant roles Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have played – and continue to play – in our community, local, state and national levels.

 

This year's theme recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women's achievements, their voice and their unwavering passion, which gives strength and has empowered past generations and paved the way for generations to come.

 

Ballarat’s NAIDOC Week activities are organised by local Aboriginal groups and organisations, the City of Ballarat’s Koorie Engagement Group (KEAG), and other community partners. The activities will include:

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Samantha McIntosh, will raise the NAIDOC Week flag at Queen Victoria Square, opposite the Town Hall. The event will include a Welcome to Country and a traditional smoking ceremony. A Civic Reception in the Town Hall will follow. At the reception, the Mayor will unveil the new logo of the Koorie Engagement Action Group, which has been designed by Darmon Holloway. The BADAC Community Open Day will be held on Wednesday 11 July. The Ballarat Library will host several themed Story Times and Little Languages sessions throughout the week. Council’s KEAG committee, in partnership with Federation University Aboriginal Education Officer, Grampians Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Group, and the Victorian State Government will present the Ballarat “Because of Her We Can!” portrait and story-telling exhibition. 

For more information on Ballarat’s NAIDOC Week activities contact BADAC on 5331 5344.

 

City of Ballarat commitment

The City of Ballarat has a strong commitment to working with and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. It embarked on a journey of reconciliation in 2003, when Council adopted a Statement of Commitment to the Local Indigenous Community.  Its Unfinished Business Advisory Committee (UBAC) was established in 2003, and in 2007 it was formally recognised by Council as its key advisory committee. In 2007, Council adopted its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).  

In 2010, the UBAC became the Koorie Engagement Action Group (KEAG). KEAG works closely with Council Executive and staff and plays a key role in enhancing the opportunities for Koorie residents of Ballarat to contribute, participate and benefit from Ballarat’s community life.

In 2014, Council adopted its second Reconciliation Plan 2014-2017 which was developed with KEAG and in partnership with local Aboriginal people and organisations.  

As Council’s second Reconciliation Action Plan comes to an end, we celebrate some key achievements over the past year. 

Unveiling of the City of Ballarat’s Acknowledgement Plaques to the Traditional Owners on nine prominent Council-owned buildings, most recently at the new Lucas Community Hub. Nikki Foy was recruited as the first Indigenous representative on Council’s Multicultural Ambassador program. Council continues to support community events like the NAIDOC Football/Netball Carnivals, BADAC community Open Days and Reconciliation football round. Council’s Best Start program team completed the ‘Reflections’ research project to better understand how Aboriginal families access local early years services. On Country Cultural Awareness Training was delivered to all Council staff City of Ballarat marked the Anniversary of the Federal Apology to the Stolen Generations in 2018 with an event at the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility. A Library Trainee position commenced in June 2018

Staff from the City of Ballarat together with members of the Koorie Engagement Action Group, Reconciliation Australia and the broader Aboriginal community have been working towards Council’s third Reconciliation Action Plan, for 2018-2021.The plan will continue to support the reconciliation process.