Marrung News

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

NAIDOC Week

What is NAIDOC Week?

NAIDOC Week, which stands for National Aborigines’ and Islanders’ Day Observation Committee, is a week-long festival which celebrates and recognises the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week runs annually on the first week of July. Meaning this year, NAIDOC will run from 7 July until 14 July. 

Every year there is a new theme, this year’s theme is “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.” This encourages us to stand in solidarity with one another, and to work together to make Indigenous Australian’s voices heard. The NAIDOC Awards is an event which occurs annually around the same time as NAIDOC Week. 

This year, the NAIDOC Awards are being held on 6 July. The event is hosted by NAIDOC at the Adelaide Convention Centre and includes awards in several different categories, such as, Person of the Year, Male/Female Elder Award, and even a Creative Talent Award. Both of these events are extremely important as they allow us to not only celebrate the lives and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Peoples, but to congratulate them for their optimism and passion.

This Week in First Nations History

In celebration of the upcoming NAIDOC Week, here are a list of major dates which should either be celebrated, commemorated, or reflected on from the long-lasting history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

On 11 June 1988, 36 years ago, First Nations people presented the Barunga Statement to Prime Minister Bob Hawke.

On 21 June 2007, 16 years ago, Prime Minister John Howard declared the Northern Territory Intervention. An intervention which would run until 2022, and unfortunately resulted in the separation of many Indigenous children from their families.

In June 2000, the Myall Creek Memorial Site opened, memorialising those Indigenous Australians whose lives were lost in the 1838 Myall Creek Massacre.

Upcoming Events

EMR NAIDOC Ball 2024

6:30pm - 11pm, Fri 5 July

Hosted by Oonah, the EMR NAIDOC Ball 2024 will include live entertainment and an award ceremony. Tickets can be purchased HERE. 

Youth NAIDOC Ball 2024

5pm - 9pm, Sat 27 July

Oonah is also hosting the Youth NAIDOC Ball 2024, which is an event dedicated to celebrating Young Mob’s achievements. This event is for young people aged 7-17 and their families in the inner and outer east. This event will include an award ceremony, entertainment and a red carpet. Tickets are free, all you need to do is email events@oonah.org.au for a registration form with YOUTH NAIDOC in the subject line.

Immerse Light Galleries

28 June to 28 July

Knox City Council are hosting ‘Immerse Light Galleries’ throughout Knox. Artists Charlotte Allingham, JESWRI (Jesse Wright) and Molly

Hunt will have their artworks exhibited in separate suburbs which include Boronia for Allingham, Ferntree Gully for Wright, and Wantirna South for Hunt. These artists have shared their perspectives on Culture, Connection, and Country. This event is a great opportunity to support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists whilst not paying a cent, as all exhibitions are free.

It's important to acknowledge that these exhibitions may not be accessible for individuals with prams or wheelchairs. To ensure that everyone can have an equal experience, the Knox City Council has asked that you contact them at immerse@knox.vic.gov.au with a request or questions so that possible arrangements can be made.

Exact locations with further information can be found HERE.

Woiwurrung Word of the Week

Wiin (Fire)

Ngawan (Sun)

Deadly Reads

At Wantirna College, our library collection is large and expansive. This week we recommend a book called ‘Flock: First Nations Stories Then and Now” curated by the award-winning author, Ellen van Neerven (they/them). This novel includes a collection of short stories, some are heartwarming, and others are heart wrenching.

This anthology brings the voices of many Indigenous authors together. These authors include Tony Birch, Melissa Lucashenko, Adam Thompson, and Mykaela Saunders. Once a story is published, it is hard to abolish, so by publishing these wonderful short stories written by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, we cement them in history and Keep the Fire Burning.

Koorie Beats

Song and dance are pillars of culture, storytelling, and even learning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Through song and dance, Indigenous Australians are able to educate

non-Indigenous Australians about their history and love for Country. This week, we are highlighting a song which comes from the Anindilyakwa people, an umbrella term for members apart of the Warnindilyakwa tribe and the Nunggubuyu tribe of Groote Eylandt. Which is an island north-east of the Northen Territory. The song is titled ‘Nekbakdanga’ (Daybreak) and recounts the events of the sun rising, as it cuts through the sky, and daybreak occurs. A performance of this song can be found on YouTube, sung by Conroy Mamarika, an Anindilyakwa man.

This edition of Marrung News was written by Ash Orpwood, 12 F.

Book Drive

Culturally Safe Supports and Services

Wantirna College acknowledges that there may be First Nations People within our community who may have been directly or indirectly affected by the Stolen Generations, and so may have found this Reconciliation Week of reflection an emotionally heavy one. You're not in this alone, and there are services available who you can speak to. These services include 13YARN, NACCHO and many more. Please see the attached document for more information about these and other local support services.

Local Support Services

Please download the attachment for Knox Network/Victorian Indigenous Support Services and don't hesitate to contact us for further information.

Ashleigh Bibby

Leader of Wellbeing

Nick Elliott 

Marrung Leading Teacher