By Brendan Rees
A record crowd turned out for this year’s NAIDOC week celebrations in Cranbourne – highlighting a growing interest for the City of Casey’s Aboriginal culture.
Crowds of more than 3000 people attended Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Cranbourne on Wednesday 11 July which paid tribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and communities.
Families participated in a number of culturally focused activities including a free family barbeque, a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, historical and traditionally based storytelling weaving, craft, native plant and painting activities, bush-food and medicinal plant education walks, displays and tastings.
An Indigenous Hip Hop Project dancer’s workshop was also held as well as a didgeridoo performance by uncle Ron Murray.
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme for NAIDOC this year was ‘Because of her, we can’, and acknowledged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their important contribution to society.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria director and chief executive Tim Entwisle said NAIDOC week, which was run from 3-10 July celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.
“The week, and often the whole of the month, is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” he said.
