A photo of the Aboriginal flag flying amid a blue sky.

Published on 04 July 2022

Five ways to get involved with NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week—the annual celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—is here (3–10 July), and there are a range of events happening in Onkaparinga.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

This year’s NAIDOC theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!, which aims to amplify voices and narrow the gap between aspiration and reality, good intent and outcome.

You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through several activities and events in the City of Onkaparinga (see below) and across the country.

1. Join the NAIDOC March and Family Fun Day

A NAIDOC March and Family Fun Day, led by Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Inc, is being held on Wednesday 6 July, 10am to 2pm, marching from Ramsay Place, Noarlunga Centre, to Noarlunga Recreation Centre.

There’ll be free entertainment, a Greeting to Country, a BBQ and activity stalls.

Supported by Joining Hands and Minds Network, the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services, the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network and City of Onkaparina.

2. Join the NAIDOC Week 2022 Mayor’s Reception

City of Onkaparinga Acting Mayor Simon McMahon invites the whole community to a free family-friendly community event at Noarlunga’s Hopgood Theatre during NAIDOC Week on Friday 8 July (5–8:30pm).

You can enjoy live music and free food, a Greeting to Country and Tjilbruki peace lore fire ceremony, a performance by YELLAKA – ‘Old Wisdom New Ways’, and a panel discussion with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Leaders on this year’s NAIDOC Week theme.

3. Enjoy a free movie

If you can’t make it to the earlier proceedings at the Mayor’s reception on Friday, you can still book in to see the free community screening of the film, The Lake of Scars, at the Hopgood Theatre at 7pm.

The film tells a story of ally-ship, environmentalism and cultural rebirth; a picture of what reconciliation between Aboriginal and European Australians might look like. But it also asks the question: is that idea harder than it seems?

The film is supported by The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, Documentary Australia Foundation, Eucalypt Australia, and The Dja Dja Wurrung Corporation; and the free screening is sponsored by The City of Onkaparinga.

4. Learn and make at a cultural workshop during the school holidays

Looking for something fun and educational to do during the July school holidays?

Join Iteka Sanderson-Bromley and Liesl von der Borch for a free hour-long cultural workshop that includes child-focused conversation, stories and craft linked to this year's NAIDOC week theme 'Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up'.

Suitable for children aged 5+ years, the workshops are taking place at Aldinga, Hub, Noarlunga, Seaford and Woodcroft libraries on Tuesday and Wednesday 12–13 July, with bookings and adult supervision required.

Iteka Sanderson-Bromley is a Narungga, Adnyamathanha and Yarluyandi artist, dancer, and educator. Liesl von der Borch is an early years teacher and founder/co-ordinator of 'Walking Together with Kaurna - Cultural Experiences for Children.

5. Pencil in a viewing of the Kaurna Still Here exhibition at Aldinga Payinthi College

Aldinga Payinthi College is hosting its very first exhibition this month – Kaurna Still Here, which is curated by First Nations artists Peter Turner and Clem Newchurch.

The exhibition is a collaborative project with Guildhouse, inspired by the South Australian Museum’s collection of First Nation’s artistic works.

In addition to the Aboriginal Collection, their work responds to the works of George French Angas.

Drawing on their Ancestors’ practices prior to European colonisation and informed by material documented by George French Angas, Peter and Clem have created carvings, painted and woven works in this celebration of continuing culture.

While college students are able to view the exhibition during NAIDOC Week, viewings to the public will open from 18–22 July, when you can enjoy a self-guided tour daily between 10am and 12pm.

You can also book your free spot to the closing event on Friday 29 July (6–8pm), where you can hear from Peter and Clem, and enjoy a Welcome to Country, live music, stalls, nibbles and a final viewing of the exhibition.

The exhibition is supported by City of Onkaparinga and Business and Tourism Aldinga.

Pictured

The Aboriginal flag. Photo by Greens MPs (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)