Benalla comes together for NAIDOC Week

Published on 27 June 2023

Benalla Rural City Council, Benalla Health and the Benalla Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group invite the community to join in the NAIDOC Week celebrations next week, commemorating the rich history, culture, and achievements of Australia's First Nations people. This year's event will be held under the theme "For Our Elders" and promises to be an enriching experience for all.

The NAIDOC Week events begin at 10am on Tuesday, 4 July, with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flag Raising Ceremony at the Benalla Civic Centre, located at 13 Mair Street, Benalla.

Following the Flag Raising, a Smoking Ceremony will take place across the lake at the Benalla Lakeside Community Centre, accessed via Arundel Street, starting from 11am. In Aboriginal culture the Smoking Ceremony is a powerful healing ritual, designed to cleanse the spirit and heal the land.

Shortly after the Smoking Ceremony, Benalla Lakeside Community Centre will host an array of engaging activities for children, including art and craft sessions, offering an opportunity for younger generations to learn about First Nations Culture and express their creativity.

The event will also feature displays showcasing the cultural heritage and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the region.

Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn said the NAIDOC Week events will help promote inclusion and awareness of indigenous culture throughout our community.

‘This celebration provides a valuable opportunity to recognise and appreciate the significant contributions made by Australia's First Nations people, and I am delighted to invite all members of the community to join us in commemorating NAIDOC Week 2023,’ Cr Hearn said.

‘Through these events, we aim to promote cultural understanding and strengthen the bond between Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members.

‘We encourage everyone to come along and participate in this meaningful celebration,’ Cr Hearn said.

For more information and updates regarding the NAIDOC Week celebrations in Benalla, please visit the Benalla Rural City Council website at www.benalla.vic.gov.au or contact Council on 03 5760 2600.

About the Benalla Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group:

The Benalla Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group is a collaborative body that provides guidance and recommendations to the Benalla Rural City Council on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the region. The group aims to foster cultural appreciation, respect, and empowerment within the community while promoting inclusivity and equitable opportunities for all.