For the first time in over 3 years the Penrith community came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week at the annual Penrith City Council NAIDOC Week event at Jamison Park.
NCNS has been a part of NAIDOC Jamo since its inception, and we have loved watching the event grow over the years, seeing so many people coming out to support and immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture, connection, resilience and achievement.
Our popular NCNS Cultural tent had a program of diverse and interactive workshops.
Jessy playing the Didge created a huge buzz and drew a large crowed to watch our talented Kooly Deadly Kids – Nulungu Dreaming dance group perform.
NCNS Managing Director, Joy Impiombato enthused, “It’s always a massive highlight to hear songs being sung in language, and watch the kids dance the ancient stories of the Lyre Bird, and Sea Eagle, and proudly sharing their culture.”
After Jessy’s corrobboree, we moved on to Uncle Les’s Firestick workshop, a great interactive session that the kids loved learning especially making actual fire with a special fire stick and some grass.
Aunty Erin created a warm, inviting space for her workshop on River Stories – an intimate and informative deep dive into the life of Darug people living on the Hawkesbury.
Aunty Tracey had so many join her to make Aboriginal bracelets or necklaces using her beautiful beads and charms.
The introduction of a marketplace for Aboriginal creators to sell their wares was a wonderful addition this year. NCNS purchased some beautifully crafted puzzles and games which we will be using in our Aboriginal Supported Playgroups.
The main stage had an interesting line up of speakers – a highlight being the Elders in Dialogue – an extended conversation with some of our local Aunties and Uncles who shared their stories, looking at the past but also to the future, expressing their hope for future generations.
What is always great about NAIDOC Jamo, is catching up with everyone, making those connections, reconnecting and to see community members enjoy the day catching up with mob.
NCNS Managing Director, Joy Impiombato commented, “This year’s theme ‘For Our Elders’ resonated with so many of us, knowing of their strength, resilience and gave us an opportunity to thank them for everything they have done for their families and communities. Congratulations to the organising committee and to everyone who was there to make the day a huge success!”
View NAIDOC JAMO GALLERY here.