NAIDOC Week Celebrations

In Strathalbyn and Goolwa

NAIDOC Week 2019 runs from 7 - 14 July and is an opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The theme for NAIDOC Week in 2019 is ‘Voice, Treaty, Truth – Let’s work together for a shared future.’

The Alexandrina Council region intersects the traditional lands of the following Aboriginal Nations and clans; Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, Peramangk and Kaurna. Members of the community are invited to join with Alexandrina Council to celebrate NAIDOC Week. 

Culturally significant, family friendly events in Goolwa and Strathalbyn will include flag raising and Welcome to Country ceremonies, storytelling, music and craft activities. In Goolwa, Uncle Moogy’s smoking ceremony and dance workshop will be a feature and in Strathalbyn, those attending can see boomerang and spear throwing demonstrations.

The Strathalbyn celebration will take place at the Strathalbyn Eastern Fleurieu School Performing Arts Centre on Thursday 4 July from 8.45am to 2pm. In Goolwa, Signal Point Gallery will host the celebrations on Sunday 7 July from 11am to 2pm. Both of these events are free and open to the community.

Both the Strathalbyn and Goolwa Libraries are also hosting free workshops for kids on Thursday 11 July, between 2pm and 3pm, in the art of Indigenous emu puppet creation. Bookings are essential for this, please call 8555 7000.

From 7 -14 July, art works by exceptional Indigenous artists Cedric Varcoe and Amanda Westley will be on display at Signal Point Gallery in Goolwa. Both artists draw on their Ngarrindjeri heritage to create work that is rich in narrative, colour and design.

Be sure to get involved during NAIDOC Week. There are a range of fun and inspiring activities for the whole family.