Members of the CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) community have been introduced to First Nations culture in Geelong this week.
The City of Greater Geelong marked NAIDOC Week by joining forces with local community-based organisations, including Cultura (formerly Diversitat), to give visiting children the experience.
The City’s Children’s Events team facilitated the visit to Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Armstrong Creek which saw children and adults from a variety of ethnicities taken through the native garden to learn about traditional medicines and bush tucker, have a try at boomerang throwing and feed native Australian animals.
A morning tea of cultural treats followed a didgeridoo performance and a presentation on the use of traditional tools.
Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy said NAIDOC Week provided the perfect opportunity for newly arrived families to experience First Nations culture.
“We all know the pandemic of the past two and half years has limited social engagement and now that things are returning to normal it’s important that we help all members of the community to connect,” he said.
“NAIDOC Week, as a period of recognition and celebration of our First Nations community, is the ideal time to help families who have arrived in recent years to connect and learn about Indigenous Australian culture.”
With a variety of nationalities represented among attendees, Arabic and Dari speaking bi-lingual workers were present to maximise the opportunity for understanding.
Aboriginal Affairs Deputy Chair Cr Sarah Mansfield said the event also presented an opportunity to reduce isolation and educate new community members about important support services on offer.
“Along with the opportunity to understand more of Australia’s rich First Nations heritage, these types of events are ideal for supporting families with a view to building community connections and strengthening networks,” she said.
“Those in attendance were provided with information around some of the services and supports that the City of Greater Geelong can offer, including information about playgroups and parenting courses.
“Hopefully this initial connection can be the starting point to learning about further early-years services, along with sparking an appreciation for our own nation’s heritage.”
