An exciting week of culture, art, sport and celebration is coming to Tweed Shire as Tweed residents are invited to join in a range of events as part of this year’s NAIDOC Week activities from 7 to 14 July.
NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Locally this means people of the Bundjalung nation; Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung-Moobah clans.
The week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations culture and history and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living culture on earth.
Events include a Cultural Day at Minjungbal Museum, Gallery exhibitions and the annual Health and Sports Expo and March and Corroboree in the Park, which sees hundreds of people march to Jack Evans Harbour for celebrations.
The week and its events are coordinated by the Tweed Heads NAIDOC Committee.
Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud
This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud which honours and recognises the strength, vitality and enduring nature of First Nations culture, which is central to the Tweed’s identity.
The Tweed’s NAIDOC celebrations will officially begin with a flag-raising ceremony on Sunday 7 July at Minjungbal Museum and Cultural Centre in Tweed Heads. On Monday 8 July, the Museum will host a special Cultural Day – then on Tuesday 9 July the Musuem will host the annual Elder Hall of Fame Induction and Reflection followed by a special NAIDOC Elder River Cruise.
Wednesday 10 July will be the annual Sports Day and Expo at Arkinstall Park, Tweed Heads which will feature a range of community services and sports games.
Council staff will be at the event to talk about community services and supports and to promote the Northern Rivers Rail Trail and Uki Mountain Bike Park and bike safety. You can also chat to staff about the benefits of native plant species that will be on offer to take home. Also happening will be a Guess the number of Macadamias in the Jar competition with NSW Origin merchandise as prizes!
Friday 12 July is the annual NAIDOC March and Corroboree in the park, which begins with a community gathering and march down Wharf Street, Tweed Heads. The event culminates in a celebration at Jack Evans Boat Harbour with storytelling, dance and further activities.
The week will close on the eve of 12 July with a NAIDOC Dinner Dance at Tweed Heads Bowls Club. Tickets are essential.
Art and culture
Throughout the week, people are encouraged to visit the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Centre (TRGMOAC) to view the many First Nations artists on display, including the works of Yiman, Ghungalu, Gurreng Gurreng artist and long-time Northern Rivers resident and Ranger, Anthony J. Walker whose exhibition Saltwater Currents: First Nations Seascapes and Contemporary Artefacts is currently showing.
Also showing at the Gallery is A Delicate Terrain, an exhibition showcasing selected works from the Gallery’s collection which explore the irreversible impact of colonisation on both land and Country told from First Nations perspectives and contemporary artists. Make sure to follow the Gallery’s socials. To celebrate NAIDOC Week, TRGMOAC will be posting about artworks by First Nations artists currently on display at the Gallery.
The Tweed Regional Museum has also recently expanded its award-winning Land|Life|Culture display, which highlights the enduring connection of the Tweed Bundjalung people to the land through oral traditions, lore and archaeological evidence. The extended exhibition explores contemporary social history and the fight to protect culture, Aboriginal rights and special places in the Tweed Shire.
Council’s libraries at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff and Murwillumbah will also be featuring NAIDOC-themed displays of Indigenous authors for junior and adult readers.
Council’s Community Development Officer Erika Chadburn said this year’s NAIDOC Week was about celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and honouring their culture, histories, strength and resilience.
‘NAIDOC week is always a celebration of Indigenous culture, heritage and people – this year’s theme ‘Keep the fire burning’ is about honouring the work and efforts of local Elders and Indigenous community leaders who have come before us and ensuring their good work continues by celebrating the achievements of our Indigenous people,’ Ms Chadburn said.
‘It also highlights the importance of supporting, empowering and making space for emerging young leaders to keep going proudly forward, promoting and celebrating their culture and heritage.’
Find out more about national NAIDOC Week activities at naidoc.org.au.
Program
A full program of NAIDOC Week events in the Tweed is as follows:
Sunday 7 July
Flag Raising Ceremony and Church Service 9 – 10 am and 10.30 am – 12 pm
Minjungbal Museum and Cultural Centre
17 Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South
Monday 8 July
Cultural Day 10 am – 2pm
Minjungbal Museum and Cultural Centre
17 Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South
Tuesday 9 July
Hall of Fame Induction and Reflection 9.30 – 11 am
Minjungbal Museum and Cultural Centre
17 Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South
NAIDOC Elders River Cruise 12 – 2 pm
Tweed Heads Coolangatta Golf Club
Soorley Street, Tweed Heads South
Limited numbers
Wednesday 10 July
Health and Sports Expo 10 am – 3 pm
Arkinstall Park, Robert Street, Tweed Heads South
Thursday 11 July
Saltwater Day 10 am – 2 pm (community barbecue and gathering)
Fingal Head Beach, 1 Marine Parade, Fingal Head
Canowindra Elders Lunch 12 – 2pm
South Tweed Sports Club, 4 Minjungbal Dr, Tweed Heads South
Friday 12 July
Tweed NAIDOC March & Corroboree in the Park 10 am – 12.30 pm
Meet at Tweed Heads Civic Centre, cnr Brett and Wharf streets, Tweed Heads
Finish at Jack Evans Boat Harbour
NAIDOC Dinner Dance 6 pm – late
Club Tweed (Tweed Heads Bowls Club)
Cnr Florence and Wharf streets, Tweed Heads
Limited numbers
For information about any event in this program, please contact Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) via email on [email protected].
