July 5, 2015
There’s plenty of activities happening in the South Burnett this week as part of NAIDOC celebrations.
NAIDOC Week runs from July 5-12 across Australia and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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What’s Happening
On Monday, Radio USmob FM is hosting celebrations in the backyard of their radio studios at Cherbourg.
There will be a barbecue and sausage sizzle from noon, plus a live broadcast.
There’ll also be live music plus South Burnett CTC’s games van “MERV”.
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Tuesday is the big day at Cherbourg’s Ration Shed Museum, with activities kicking off at 10:30am and winding down about 3:00pm.
“I reckon this year is going to be the best yet,” Ration Shed chair Aunty Sandra Morgan said.
“We have so many wonderful cultural activities planned. We are hoping Cherbourg and residents from the South Burnett and further afield will come and join us in celebrating NAIDOC here at the museum in Cherbourg.
“All are welcome. It is a free event!”
Music events include:
- Local Barambah dancers led by Damian Bond
- Torres Strait Islander dancers from Brisbane
- Well-known musician Neil Murray – Neil is an Australian musician and singer-songwriter-guitarist. He was a founding member of the Warumpi Band which were the first major rock group with mostly Indigenous members. They became a world-renowned Aboriginal rock band.
- Well-know local country rockers Muddy Flats
Other activities include:
- Weaving workshops by renowned weaver, Aunty Sarah
- Dreamtime Reptiles display
- Bush tucker
- Camp oven cooking
- Sewing and craft workshops
- Painting boomerangs
- Indigenous fashion and dance events
- Face painting and children’s art workshops
This event has been made possible by funding from the Aboriginal Community Interest Consultative Committee (ACICC), the Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet – Cultural & Capability program, Barada Barna, Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, Department of Communities, YACCA, and Cr Kathy Duff.
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Also on Tuesday, the annual Cherbourg Health Expo will be held in the grounds of the Cherbourg Health Service from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
Organisers of the expo have received a $4500 grant from the Aboriginal Community Interest Consultative Committee (ACICC) to purchase incentives for community members to take part in a range of health checks on the day, as well as to purchase tables for local health workers to set up interactive displays.
Christine Stewart, from the Cherbourg Health Service which organises the expo each year, said the grant would contribute to the growing success of the expo.
“Last year we had about 300 people visit the health expo,” Ms Stewart said.
“About 100 people took part in a range of health checks like blood pressure and blood sugar tests.
“This grant will hopefully lead to even more people receiving these health checks on the day and healthier lifestyles in the future.
Free health checks include blood glucose levels, blood pressure, haemoglobin, weight and discrete sexual health tests.
Health information, activities for children and a free barbecue lunch will be available.
The Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service’s annual award for Recognition of Excellence in Service Delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff will also be presented.
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On Wednesday, NAIDOC will be celebrated at Kingaroy Hospital from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
It will include a guest speaker, the launch of the facility’s Traditional Owners’ plaque, a free barbecue lunch, bush tucker and the presentation of the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service’s NAIDOC Staff Award for Service to Community.
Cherbourg artist Venus Rabbitt will also be demonstrating traditional Aboriginal art. Her completed canvasses will be hung in the hospital.
“NAIDOC Week is a chance for people to reflect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in their local area,” Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service acting Cultural Practice Co-ordinator Rica Lacey said.
“This year’s theme is ‘We all stand on sacred ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate’.”
All interested community members are invited to attend the day.
- Related article: NAIDOC Prize Winner Has Local Roots
