The theme of Heal Country was celebrated at yesterday's NAIDOC Week launch in the region, bringing together the community for a day of good food and good company.
The festivities started on Sunday at the South Sea Islander Complex in Millbank, and although the rain on Saturday put a dampener on the planned Kup Murri event, it didn’t stop residents from coming together.
Gidarjil Development Corporation CEO Dr Kerry Blackman said this year NAIDOC Week centred around “Heal Country” and was a significant theme included throughout the many traditional events.
“We gather around lunch and have some food, where we have some yarning and some gossip,” Dr Blackman said.
“NAIDOC is very important for us, it is two-fold where it started off as a day of protest, but we also celebrate all the good things around our culture and showcase these within the community.”
Although the traditional cooking with a Kup Murri could not take place at the launch of NAIDOC Week, there was plenty of food to be enjoyed followed by smiles from young and old.
In the kitchen, mother-and-daughter team Diana Fatiaki and Lauretta Forester (Meninga) said there was plenty of help to ensure the event took place and they thanked the community members who stepped in to lend a hand.
NAIDOC Week will be celebrated throughout the Bundaberg Region with a range of activities taking place through to Sunday, 11 July.
Find out more about NAIDOC Week events here.
