The City of Greater Bendigo will celebrate NAIDOC Week 2020 with a live streamed Flag Raising Ceremony featuring a Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Welcome to Country by Trent Nelson and a Smoking Ceremony by Aunty Marilyne Nicholls at 11am on Monday November 9, 2020 via the City’s Facebook page.
The City will also launch its new Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025 as part of the event. The new plan provides a clear direction for the City to continue to advance reconciliation and support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for the next four years.
NAIDOC Week celebrations are usually held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. However, this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was postponed until November.
The NAIDOC Week theme for 2020 is Always Was, Always Will Be. The theme
recognises and celebrates that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.
The theme invites all Australians to embrace the ancient history of this country – a history which dates back thousands of generations.
Other events taking place throughout the week include:
- Access Australia Group are holding a NAIDOC Open Day at Peppergreen Farm, 44 Thunder Street North Bendigo from 2.30pm Monday November 9.
- Bendigo Art Gallery are holding a Talking First Nations Panel livestreaming event for Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion Exhibition at 3pm on Tuesday November 10, via the Bendigo Art Gallery Facebook page.
- Bendigo Art Gallery First Nations Fashion Design Artists livestreaming evening at 6pm to 7pm on Thursday November 12, via the Bendigo Art Gallery Facebook Page.
