Indigenous culture centre stage

BY RUTH MELVILLE
Discover more about Aboriginal culture by participating in a series of events to celebrate NAIDOC Week from July 6 to 13. 

The week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and its theme this year is ‘Advance Australia Fair” Chairman of the National NAIDOC Committee, Aden Ridgeway, said: ‘The aim this year is to encourage people to reflect on the Australian principle of a ‘Fair go’ and for them to consider the inequalities still experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country today.’

Waverley Mayor Ingrid Strewe described NAIDOC Week as a time to celebrate the significant contribution Indigenous Australians make to this country.
“This year is a special one for Indigenous Australians because of the Federal Government’s apology to the ‘Stolen Generation’. I was proud to be Mayor at this time.”

With widespread public support for the apology, the council has formed a partnership with Euraba Paper Company, an Aboriginal Artists’ Cooperative in Boggabilla, northwest NSW. Founding member of the Cooperative, May Hinch, is one of the artists exhibiting at Waverley Library from July 7. Born in Moree, at the age of 14 May was sent to work on a property for no pay. After completing a fine Arts course in 1999, she and several others set up the paper making business in a local backyard. Their mill started with the women getting bulrush from the river, boiling it in a four-gallon drum and processing the material in a baby’s bath tub. They continue to use natural fibres and cotton off-cuts from clothing manufacturers that would otherwise be destined for landfill.

On July 12, Oxford St Mall, Bondi Junction will host dance, story telling and communal painting events with Japuralla (Les Saxby), as well as face painting with Aunty Kim and bush tucker demonstrations with John Lennis. From July 3-15, Bondi Pavilion Gallery will hold an exhibition of artworks and artefacts. School holiday activities include workshops with Aboriginal artists for 5 to 10-year-olds at Waverley Library. Bookings essential.

For further information see www.waverley.nsw.gov.au