NAIDOC Week will be celebrated throughout the Bundaberg Region with a range of activities taking place from Sunday, 4 July through to Sunday, 11 July.
An inclusive week of traditional events, NAIDOC is open to everyone to celebrate Indigenous pride with complimentary opportunities to experience first nations people’s culture.
The theme for NAIDOC 2021 is Heal Country!
This theme calls for everyone to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration and destruction.
Bundaberg and District NAIDOC Week organisers have planned a range of activities that will be happening throughout the week.
Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Jack Dempsey said it was a great opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge Indigenous culture throughout our community during NAIDOC Week.
“Thank you to the Bundaberg and District NAIDOC committee who have put on a week full of fantastic activities for our region,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“I encourage everyone to get out and take part in these activites and learn about the history and celebrate the achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people.”
The events to be held throughout the week include:
SUNDAY 4TH JULY
Kup Murri
12 pm
South Sea Islander Complex, Millbank
Join the NAIDOC celebrations at the South Sea Islander Complex in Bundaberg.
A Kup Murri is a traditional islander method of cooking food in a pit under the ground, this method has been used for years by ancestors and is still utilised today.
MONDAY 5TH JULY
Flag raising
10 am
Buss Park, Bourbong street
To recognise NAIDOC Week and the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, there will be a traditional Welcome to Country and the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The flag raising ceremony will be led by members of the community.
After the ceremony, elders are invited to stay for morning tea.
TUESDAY 6TH JULY
Elders Luncheon
12 pm
Impact Community Services 108 Bargara Road
The Elders Luncheon is a great opportunity to gather to meet and speak with the Elders of our region.
NAIDOC AND ME – A documentary film by Jen Mason
6 pm – 8 pm
The Playhouse Theatre – 2b Steffensen Street, Bundaberg West
Explore Australian culture and historical awakenings through an Indigenous lens.
This documentary film will be followed by a panel discussion facilitated by Brad Marsellos.
Rover Performance
7.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
This funny, heart-warming and fast-paced ode to Australia and the tough intrepid women will be your next favourite night at the theatre.
With acclaimed actors Roxanne McDonald and Barbara Lowing, this is a hilarious misadventure of the women who made them who they are today.
The performance is recommended for ages 14+.
Rovers was developed with the support of NORPA and premiered at NORPA on 17 August 2018
WEDNESDAY 7TH JULY
Cultural Sports Day
10 am
PCYC 45 Burrum Street Bundaberg West
The Bundaberg PCYC will be hosting a variety of sport and recreation activities to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and wider community members to engage the community, break down barriers and promote physical activity, health and wellbeing.
THURSDAY 8TH JULY
Face painting workshop
11.30 am
Dance workshop
2.30 pm
Stockland Bundaberg Shopping Centre – in front of Woolworths
115-119 Takalvan St, Avoca
FRIDAY 9TH JULY
NAIDOC March
9 am
Club Hotel 50 Bourbong Street Bundaberg
The NAIDOC March will start at 50 Bourboung street and continue through the CBD, over the Burnett Traffic Bridge and finish at the Lions Park in North Bundaberg where the Family Fun Day NAIDOC celebrations will begin.
Family Fun Day
10 am
Lions Park Queen Street Bundaberg North
The Family Fun Day will include a smoking ceremony, performances of Indigenous culture and showcases of Indigenous culture through artwork and stalls.
SATURDAY 10TH JULY
NAIDOC Gala Ball
6 pm
The Waves Sports Club
1 Miller St, Norville
Bundaberg & District NAIDOC Committee is holding an event for the community to celebrate and finish off NAIDOC week with a big bang!
The Masquerade Gala Ball is proudly sponsored by Evolution Mining, Conoco Phillips, Santos, Impact, Gladstone Ports Corporation, Acciona, Gidarjil Development Corporation, Gidji Art and KNAUF.
OTHER EVENTS
Marika Baumgart ‘Woolwoonga’
Wednesday 7 June – 11-2pm
Thursday 8 June – 11-2pm
Friday 9 June – 10-12
Friendly Society Private Hospital Foyer
Meet Mother, Artist and Indigenous mentor Marika Baumgart who is a NAIDOC award winning artist of 2001 returning to her passion in 2021.
She will be in the main foyer of the Friendly Society Private Hospital presenting her work and chatting to the public.
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