This year’s NAIDOC celebrations at Mount Druitt were among the biggest in Sydney, with thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their families and supporters coming together for a day of culture, connection and community.
What had started years ago as a small local event has grown into a major item on the Western Sydney calendar, with approximately 3,000 Indigenous and non-Indigenous people attending this year – the second time it has been held at Whalan Reserve to accommodate the large crowds.
Hosted by Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation and Holy Family Parish, Mount Druitt, and supported by the Diocese of Parramatta, Blacktown City Council and many community organisations, this year’s event, on 9 July, featured dancing, music, storytelling, more than 70 community stalls, children’s rides and other activities.
The theme this year was “50 Years of Deadly”, to honour the five decades that Indigenous communities have gathered every year to celebrate and show pride in culture, and remind the rest of the nation that they have a continuing connection to country that stretches back thousands of years.
One of the dance troupes that performed on the day. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Special guests included Councillor Talia Amituanai, who was representing Blacktown Mayor Brad Bunting; the MP for the NSW seat of Mount Druitt, Edmond Atalla; and Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of the Diocese of Parramatta.
Bishop Vincent told the crowd that the event had grown to become one of the biggest such events in Western Sydney “and possibly Australia”.
But more importantly, he said its success was a step on the road to greater inclusion of Indigenous people.
“Forty years ago, Pope John Paul II visited Australia, and in Alice Springs he gave a wonderful speech. And part of the speech he said Australia is not fully itself until it has incorporated the contribution of Indigenous people into its life,” Bishop Vincent said.
Bishop Vincent Long, left, with elders and other VIPs. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
This event celebrates “the contribution of Aboriginal people to the life of our community here is Western Sydney, and I’m so glad that the partnership between the Baabayn women and the Parish of Holy Family has now extended to so many community groups and organisations.”
Among the highlights of this year’s festivities were traditional dances, live bands and a talent show – Mt Druitt’s Got Talent.
Also during the day were raffles, rides and interviews on the main stage with community leaders. Pastor Rick Manton, from the Mount Druitt Indigenous Church, led a blessing after one of the dances.
The stall run by the Diocese of Parramatta’s Mission Enhancement Team was, among other things, kept busy all day making balloon animals for the continuous line of young people.
There were more than 70 stalls catering to the 3,000 people who attended the event. Image: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
The event’s organisers were keen to make sure that there was free food, activities and entertainment so that all families could take part, no matter what their financial circumstances.
One of the Baabayn Elders and a member of the planning team for the event, Aunty Elaine Gordon, said the success of the day could not be measured just in the number of people who attended.
“The highlight was seeing everyone turn up and simply enjoy the day,” she said. “It was wonderful seeing culture being passed on through families.”
The event was popular with young and old. Images: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
Another member of the planning team, Malia Lolesio, the Parish Secretary at Holy Family Parish, said: “After months of planning, it was incredibly rewarding to see the event come to life and families enjoying everything the day had to offer.”
Blacktown City Council gave out two NAIDOC Awards on the day – one for Citizen of the Year, awarded to Aunty Cynthia Morrison, for her lifelong contribution to culture, education and community sports; and another for Innovation, awarded to Sabina Carr-Drennan, who was recognised for “creating culturally safe programs and support networks in community corrections”.
The day celebrated the strength, vision and legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to come together, learn from one another and continue walking together.
This event is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Community, Mission, Listening Dialogue and Discernment. Visit Synodality to learn more.
Some of the stalls on the day. Images: Alfie Ramirez/ Diocese of Parramatta
For more images from NAIDOC day, click here.
