The wider Western Sydney community has come out in force to join the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Indigenous people at a recent NAIDOC Week event.
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held nationally in the first week of July every year. The 2024 NAIDOC theme was “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.”
In a spirit of solidarity, Holy Family Parish, Emerton, Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, Aboriginal Catholic Care and Blacktown City Council held a celebration on the grounds of the parish on Thursday 11 July.
A view of the NAIDOC Week celebrations at the Holy Family Parish site in Emerton in July 2024. Image: Beckie Lee/Diocese of Parramatta
Hundreds, if not, thousands of people joined in the festivities that included cultural and musical performances, rides, a jumping castle, petting zoo, face painting and free food and drinks. Dozens of stalls showcased local services available to the community, including the Greater Western Aboriginal Health Services, Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation, Jarara Cultural Centre, Mission Australia, Legal Aid, Headspace Mount Druitt, Service NSW and the Mt Druitt Police Local Area Command.
A young Aboriginal member of the community, Deykodah Ebsworth, gave her thoughts about NAIDOC and how it’s important to keep the culture alive.
“It’s about getting together with friends and family, connecting with the old ones and hearing stories. The theme, ’Keep the Fire Burning: Blak, Loud and Proud’ means keeping my culture within, keeping it alive, active and lit. Never let it go out. As my Nan said, ‘put another log in if you feel your culture is not within you and get it lit again’.”
Mavis Pacey, a local Aboriginal elder has been part of the local parish for more than 20 years. She said the event is a special day and is all about everyone getting together. With so many people in attendance, as well as all the entertainment and food, she was impressed with how well the event has turned out.
Tereesa Potter, Program Coordinator for Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, said NAIDOC not only celebrates Aboriginal culture but is also a chance for the whole community to get together.
“Today is all about gathering. It’s great the community has come together to celebrate the Aboriginal culture as one.
“There’s been a great turnout today especially for our mums and bubs group. We have new mums who have never made any items before to sell. It’s showcasing them and building up their confidence.”
A stall holder displaying Aboriginal-themed items during the NAIDOC Week celebrations at the Holy Family Parish site in Emerton in July 2024. Image: Beckie Lee/Diocese of Parramatta
Sheridan Blair, a Yuin and Bundgalung woman and local artist, loved being part of the community on days like this as it allows her to express herself creatively through her Aboriginal contemporary art and jewellery. She enjoyed everyone getting involved with the wide variety of stalls and small businesses being supported.
One local, Hannah Kahuroa, who came along to the event with her family, said she had a wonderful time at the NAIDOC celebrations at the Holy Family Parish.
“It’s a good day out for the kids and get together with the family. NAIDOC means a lot for my partner and kids.”
To learn more about NAIDOC including the history, significance, news and other resources, please visit: https://www.naidoc.org.au/
Beckie Lee is a freelance journalist and contributor to Catholic Outlook.
