Community gathers for NAIDOC Week celebrations

Published on 07 July 2023

Despite the threat of rain, NAIDOC Week celebrations in Benalla were an outstanding success with approximately 120 community members participating in the festivities.

Benalla Rural City Council, Benalla Health, and the Benalla Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group were thrilled that the event, held under the theme "For Our Elders," drew an impressive turnout.

The event, held at the Benalla Civic Centre, 13 Mair Street, Benalla, marked a significant moment of unity and respect with a large crowd gathering as the rain threatened. The celebration, held on Tuesday 4 July, began with a Welcome to Country, conducted by Uncle Greg James, a proud Yorta Yorta man and the first Aboriginal Councillor at Greater Shepparton City.

An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flag Raising Ceremony followed, with flags raised by Torres Strait Islander community member Sakina Babia, Yorta Yorta Elder Aunty Cheryl Cooper and Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn.

Following the Flag Raising Ceremony, the rain could not dampen spirits at the Smoking Ceremony which took place across the lake at the Benalla Lakeside Community Centre. Conducted by proud Yorta Yorta woman Nikki James with Kieran Oats paying didgeridoo, this powerful healing ritual fostered a deep sense of connection and harmony.

Once inside the Benalla Lakeside Community Centre, art and craft sessions provided younger generations with a chance to learn about First Nations Culture and express their creativity. Storytime, led by Aunty Gayelene Arandall, was popular with the younger children, while the VACCA quilt, a community project involving a number of local Aboriginal women, was also unveiled.

The day also provided the opportunity under the theme of “For Our Elders” to thank Aunty Patsy Bollard, Aunty Desiree Walker, Aunty Cheryl Cooper, Aunty Carol Alliman and Aunty Gayelene Arandall for their tireless work in the community.

Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn expressed her enjoyment with the NAIDOC Week celebrations, emphasising the importance of promoting unity and cultural understanding within the Benalla community.

‘The NAIDOC Week events provided us with a valuable opportunity to honour and appreciate the remarkable contributions made by our First Nations community,’ Cr Hearn said.

‘We were thrilled to see over 120 community members join us in commemorating NAIDOC Week 2023. These events have further strengthened community bonds here in Benalla.’

Mayor Hearn also extended her gratitude to the Benalla Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, whose collaboration and guidance ensured the success of the event.

The event was supported by a number of stall holders including VACCA, Winton Wetlands, Thales, Services Australia, Benalla Health, the Aboriginal History Group and the AWAHS bus.