General News
24 July, 2023
Community event to celebrate national day
A free community event is set to celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day next week. Taking place next Friday, the event hosted by the Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) will include activities to celebrate...
A free community event is set to celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day next week.
Taking place next Friday, the event hosted by the Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) will include activities to celebrate the strength and culture of First Nations families and their children.
The theme for this year’s national day is ‘Little Voices, Loud Futures’, aiming to raise awareness for the bright futures of children and the potential for their voices to pave a new path for the nation.
“Children’s Day provides an opportunity for us all to show our support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children,” MDHS Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer Kymberley Williams said.
“We can do this by coming together as a community to celebrate and learn more about their stories and culture through things like dance, art, ceremony and song.
“Building strong family and community connections helps our kids grow strong in their culture and thrive.
“This in turn will help our children feel safe and proud of who they are, to help them flourish and build a strong voice for the future.”
This is the second event the health service has held to mark the day, with last year’s celebration a success.
“We had fantastic day last year with lots of children from local primary schools, kinders and pre-schools as well as individual families in the region,” Ms Williams said.
The celebration will start with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony at 10 am, and will include a free barbecue with healthy options.
Activities include weaving with sticks and twine, a craft area, an Aboriginal dance workshop, making a Lei (traditional bracelets/anklets), instruments and more.
The event takes place on Friday, August 4, from 10 am to 2 pm at The Nest, 91 Nolan Street, Maryborough.
Anyone can come along to the event however RSVPs are preferred.
To find out more or to RSVP contact Kymberley Williams on 5461-0333 or Kymberley. Williams@mdhs.vic.gov.au
For more information on National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day visit aboriginalchildrensday.com.au.