Published on Tuesday, 22 July 2014 at 12:00:00 AM
Various activities were held across the Shire of Ashburton to celebrate NAIDOC Week and recognise the contributions and achievements of local indigenous people. The NAIDOC activities in each town helped promote a sense of pride, celebration and connection to local Indigenous culture within the Shire of Ashburton community.
In Pannawonica approximately 400 people gathered to formally recognise the achievements of local indigenous individuals and the contributions they have made to the community. The ceremony included a wonderful performance by the Pannawonica Primary School. Celebrations continued with a BBQ lunch and an afternoon of stalls, exhibitions, entertainment and craft activities. Renowned Aboriginal performer and comedian Mary G delighted the crowd with a humorous performance and singer/songwriter Glenn Skuthorpe provided a soulful rendition capturing the spirit of the day. The Kuruma Marthudunera Trust, Rio Tinto and the Shire of Ashburton helped create a true celebration of NAIDOC in the Pannawonica community.
Tom Price marked this special event with a traditional smoking ceremony and documentary screening by Eastern Guruma. A community BBQ, army memorial trail and kids’ activities was then hosted by Gumula and enjoyed by many.
NAIDOC was celebrated in Paraburdoo with a traditional Welcome to Country and BBQ lunch, followed by brilliant performances from Duke-Box and Glenn Skuthorpe. Kids were kept entertained with a bouncy castle and other fun activities.
A number of NAIDOC themed workshops and activities were also included in the Shire’s school holiday program.
Many thanks to The Kuruma Mathudunera Trust, Eastern Guruma, Gumula, Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporate, Rio Tinto and The Shire of Ashburton who worked together in bringing the NAIDOC celebrations together in each community.
Back to All News