Library hosts special NAIDOC week story time

Help construct a giant echidna, build your own canoe and join in some fun Aboriginal language games and songs when Armidale Library hosts a special NAIDOC Week story time on Wednesday 11 July.

Guest storyteller Jusinta Collins will use the themes of Aboriginal women, water and birds to express indigenous culture and convey respect, in a celebration of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme – ‘Because of her, we can’.

The free workshop, part of a fortnight of school holiday activities at the library, begins at 10am and will celebrate many aspects of Aboriginal culture.

The giant echidna - known as ‘Iwata’ in the local Anaiwan language – will take centre stage as workshop participants add her spiky quills.

“Kids will also be able to create Aboriginal canoes and masks and have their faces marked with ochre,” Jusinta said.

“Aboriginal language games, songs and stories will all be part of the experience, along with talks about Aboriginal symbols and their meanings.

“It’s a fun way to give people a greater understanding of our culture.”

It is one of many school holiday activities being held at the Guyra and Armidale Libraries during the school holidays.

Other activities at Armidale Library: •Tuesday 10 July – Lego 10.30-11.30am •Wednesday 11 July and 18 July - Board games with Pathfinders Ability Links (all children welcome) 4-5pm both days •Thursday 12 July - Coding, Art and Robots! Learn basic coding and paint with a robot! Bookings essential  11am-noon and 3-4pm •Tuesday 17 July - Cartoon animation (11 to 18 years) 1.30-4.30pm •Tuesday 17 July - Draw in a Disney/Pixar animation style (8 to 13 years) 10.30am to noon •Thursday 19 July - Recycled art – Use your imagination to make a masterpiece using recycled materials. 10.30-11.30am

Activities at Guyra Library: •Monday 9 July - Creepy Crawly Storytime & Craft 10.30am •Thursday 12 July – Movie screening, Peter Rabbit 10.30am •Friday 13 July – Colouring-in spiders/ creepy crawlies/ insects galore 2pm •Monday 16 July – Creepy Food Creations for ages 8 to 14 10.30am +Tum+(please advise of food allergies when booking) •Wednesday 18 July - poetry workshops for kids with local author Sophie Masson 10am •Thursday 19 July – Creepy Crawly Critters Lego 11am

NAIDOC Week celebrations will also include a free children’s disco on Friday 13 July.

The disco, supported by Council and other local organisations, will be held in the Armidale Ex-Services Club auditorium from 6pm to 8.30pm and is open to children aged 12 and under. It will feature DJ Adam Tadman, a jumping castle, food, activities and prizes for the best dressed kids. For details phone (02) 4088 2001.

Council and Belgrave Cinema in Armidale are offering kids a free visit to the movies during the holidays.  Tickets are available by contacting Council’s Youth and Family Coordinator, Alice Cleaver, on 6770 3605 and can be used for any movie session at Belgrave Cinema before 22 July. Children aged under 16 will need a parent or guardian to book the ticket.

Get in fast before the tickets run out.

Published on 05 Jul 2018