Frankston City hosts events for NAIDOC Week 2022

Published on 29 June 2022

The theme of National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week 2022 (3 – 10 July 10) is “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!” 

Mayor Nathan Conroy said: “Frankston City Council is committed to Reconciliation and we have been consistently working towards this goal for many years and not just during key events like NAIDOC Week.

“All year round, we are keen to acknowledge, promote and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders,” the Mayor said.

This year, the Council is involved in the following events for NAIDOC Week:  

• Dinner Dance: Frankston City Council is a Platinum Sponsor of the NAIDOC “Maskarade” Dinner Dance/Awards Night 2022 at Mornington Racecourse on Friday, 1 July, from 5.30pm to 11.30pm. Council will be sponsoring an award and is also providing two tables for community members who would be restricted from attending due to the cost of tickets. 
• Flag raising: Langwarrin Community Centre hosts its first Indigenous flag-raising ceremony for NAIDOC Week on Wednesday, 6 July at 10am, followed by morning tea and a number of activities. 

• Youth event: Frankston South Community and Recreation Centre, Frankston Youth Services and Nairm Marr Djambana have partnered up for the NAIDOC Week – Youth Cultural Event on Wednesday, 6 July, from 10am to 3.15pm. The event includes a smoking ceremony from Bunurong Land Council as well as a cultural and dance workshop by Living Culture, whose mission it is to educate people about the importance of keeping Aboriginal Culture alive.
• Culture: Wurundjeri and Dja Wurrung woman Samantha Roberts established ‘Connecting Two Worlds’ to share traditional and modern Indigenous culture to students from childcare to high school. Her session at Carrum Downs Library covers the Acknowledgment of Country, Flags and Tribes, Show and Tell, Traditional Art and Symbols, Dreamtime stories and Dance and Song. The event takes place on Monday, 4 July, from 10.30am to 11.30am, and is free with bookings essential. 
• Film: Council has secured 50 tickets for the Virtual Indigenous Film Festival NAIDOC 2022 which runs from 4-8 July. These will be distributed to members of Frankston’s Indigenous community, however, the festival is open for everyone interested in learning more about First Nations stories and voices through film. This year’s offerings provide a springboard for inclusive and open discussion, and include award-winning films such as Araatika: Rise Up!, Off Country, Wash My Soul in the River’s Flow and Where the Water Starts. 

Mayor Conroy added: “Frankston City Council is committed to an inclusive and diverse community, and we are proud of its First Nations People’s heritage and culture. We welcome the community at large to attend events for NAIDOC Week 2022.”

For more information, please visit https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Our-Community/Community-Development/Indigenous-Communities

Previous Media Release: https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Your-Council/Media-and-Publications/Latest-News/Media-Releases-2021/Council-adopts-Reconciliation-Action-Plan-and-new-Acknowledgement