People are invited to join together and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture at our annual NAIDOC Celebrations with a celebration day in Lismore and a week of events taking place in Ballina.
In 2018 the theme is ‘Because of her, we can’ which celebrates the essential role that women have played – and continue to play – as active and significant role models at a community, local, state and national level.
Lismore
The annual NAIDOC Celebration Day at the Lismore Showground is a chance for people from all cultures to enjoy learning about the world’s oldest living culture through sharing, fun and friendship.
The day features a formal Welcome to Country and information stalls from more than 30 local service providers as well as family activities including sports games, children’s activities, face painting, food stalls and a sausage sizzle.
There will also be Aboriginal business displays, a talent showcase by local schools and an Elders Tent with morning tea and lunch provided for local Bundjalung Elders.
‘NAIDOC Celebration Day is about providing a space where the whole community can proudly celebrate the richness of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,’ Council’s event officer Leanne Clark said.
‘Coming together in celebration is an important and informal way to share culture and learn from one another. Events like this provide an opportunity for people to talk to one another, learn from one another, laugh with one another and ultimately, leave with a greater appreciation and understanding of one another’s culture.’
NAIDOC Celebration Day runs from 10am to 2pm at the Lismore Showground on Thursday, 5 July. Entry is free and the whole community is welcome.
Ballina
Celebrations will be taking place in Ballina Shire from Sunday 8 July and continue through to Sunday 15 July that will include music event, celebration walk, family cultural way, sports day, disco, dinner dance, art exhibition and more.
The program will open with the Yardabalair (to sing) music event on Sunday 8 July, 10am till 3.30pm at the Missingham Park Amphitheatre that will include live music, stalls, displays and interactive activities and workshops.
The Annual Celebration Walk will take place Monday 9 July at 10.30am starting at the Ballina RSL Club while the family cultural day will be on Cabbage Tree Island.
For more information see the Ballina Shire Council website.
Byron
The Arakwal Corporation, Flickerfest & iQ Inc are thrilled to present an inspiring evening of aboriginal storytelling celebrating NAIDOC Week 2018 and this years theme ‘Because Of Her, We Can’ showcasing the lives & impact of Aboriginal women.
This year’s programme curated from Flickerfest favourites will take you on a special journey with some incredibly funny, powerful and strong aboriginal women who’s uplifting stories will inspire and delight.
The filmmakers have become some of the leading lights in indigenous filmmaking, blazing brightly on Australian screens and stage.
The programme includes, Warwick Thornton’s multi award winning comedy short film ‘Nana’, two films by amazing writer/director & actress Leah Purcell ‘She Say’ & ‘Aunty Maggie And The Womba Wakgun’, plus ‘Nan & A Whole Lot Trouble’ & ‘Hush’ both delightful comedies by the very talented writer/director Dena Curtis.
Come along and enjoy these unique stories from incredible filmmakers championing aboriginal women through this years NAIDOC theme ‘Because Of Her, We Can’; & support the celebration of aboriginal culture during NAIDOC Week.
A fundraiser for the Arakwal Corporation & supported by the Indigenous Coordination Centre.
Tickets: The Byron Theatre and byroncentre.com.au | & at door $10 / $8 concession.
Programme details and info or phone 0414 779881.
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