City of Swan celebrates NAIDOC Week

City of Swan celebrates NAIDOC Week

Published on 27 June 2019

The City of Swan is proud to support this year's line-up of local NAIDOC week celebrations and events.

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

City of Swan Mayor David Lucas said NAIDOC week is an opportunity to participate in a range of activities and support our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

"Our City has a strong Aboriginal heritage and culture, and we are proud to have this ongoing connection," he said.

"The local Aboriginal people and custodians of the land are Whadjuk Noongar people, who have long since inhabited the historic lands of the Swan coastal plain, dating back some 40,000 years."

This year's theme is, Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let's work together for a shared future, which acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always wanted an enhanced role in decision-making in Australia’s democracy.

"I would encourage everyone to visit www.noongarculture.org.au to learn a few local Noongar words like Kaya (hello) Wandjoo (welcome) so we can actively participate in this year's theme," said Mayor Lucas.

The City is supporting four local community events:

School Basketball Carnival Thursday, July 4 at Swan Active Midland, Gray Drive, Midvale Cheer on the competing teams from local primary schools Come along for cultural workshops, activities and performances. Midland Tuesday, July 9, 10am-2.30pm at Midland Oval - The Crescent, Midland Features live music, dance performances, free bush tucker, healthy food options and children's activities and entertainment. Beechboro Tuesday, July 2, 11am-1pm at Meerilinga Beechboro, 106 Amazon Drive Come and enjoy traditional dance performed by students from Kiara College Girls Academy and West Beechboro Primary School. Tucker and refreshments are on offer, and join in other fun activities with your friends and family. Please RSVP to Mihi at Meerilinga on 9377 7922 or email [email protected] or [email protected] Ballajura Wednesday, July 10 in two locations: 11am-12pm Meerilinga Ballajura, 2 Community Mews, Ballajura 12-1pm at The Dungeon Youth Centre, 1 Kingfisher Drive, Ballajura Come and enjoy the Welcome to Country, tucker and refreshments and join in other fun activities with your friends and family. Please RSVP to Kim at Meerilinga on 9249 6980 or email [email protected] or [email protected]

For more information about these events, please go to www.swan.wa.gov.au/events

Photo: Midland local artist Mama Jo (Bungaan) created this incredible painting for this year’s NAIDOC Midland. Finding her calling as a painter in her mid-20’s, she has been painting for over 28 years. “This painting represents a long history of aboriginal culture here in the Swan region,” Mama Jo said. “The Swan River runs through the middle of the painting and is significant to the Whadjuk people as it was a source for food, medicine and birthing grounds.