Celebrate NAIDOC Week in Cardinia Shire this week!

NAIDOC Week (7 to 14 July 2024) provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations peoples, and celebrate the oldest, continuous living cultures in the world.

This year’s theme, ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud’, is both symbolic of the connection to land, people and traditions of indigenous communities, and a call to stand proudly for indigenous identity and heritage, justice, and equality.

Aligning with this theme, community connection has remained a strong focus for Council and First Nations artist Emmy Webbers (Wurruck Yambo), whose works are currently on display at Hills Hub. Engaging community through art and experience is a positive and powerful way to help raise awareness about reconciliation, NAIDOC and the value of the Shire’s rich indigenous cultural heritage.

Last weekend, Webbers also ran a ‘Weaving for Kids’ Winterfest Workshop at Cardinia Cultural Centre, sharing their skills, knowledge and heritage with young people from around the Shire.

There’s still time to experience the captivating ‘Dancing Between the Echoes’ exhibition at Hills Hub, Emerald between 9.30am and 2.30pm, before it wraps up this Friday 12 July.

Known for blending tradition and innovation to create a visual symphony where every stroke tells a story, Webbers’ exhibition goes beyond representing individual narratives and instead forms a collective masterpiece resonating with the land, spirituality, and community.

By coinciding with Reconciliation Week and extending until the end of NAIDOC Week, ‘Dancing Between the Echoes’ not only showcases artistic excellence but also serves as a vessel for cultural reflection and commemoration of significant dates and historical milestones.

Visit Emerald Library and Cardinia Cultural Centre (40 Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham) before Friday 12 July and immerse yourself in the interactive art installations honouring NAIDOC Week.

Visitors are invited to explore and interact with the sand element in the exhibition space at Hills Hub, and to contribute their messages to the Message Trees on display at both the Emerald Library and Cardinia Cultural Centre.

These messages will become a part of the display and create a community legacy of reflection, celebration, unity, and solidarity, throughout NAIDOC Week and beyond.

Admission to the exhibitions is free, and no booking is required.

To learn more about Cardinia Shire’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, visit Council’s website at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/NAIDOC. To learn more about NAIDOC Week, visit www.naidoc.org.au.