Bellingen Shire Celebrates NAIDOC Week 2024
Published on 28 June 2024
NAIDOC Week will be celebrated in Bellingen Shire with the Budaabung Bellingen NAIDOC Event hosted by the Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation and OneMob Radio with support from Bellingen Shire Council, the Neighbourhood Centre's of the Bellingen Shire, National Indigenous Australians Agency and Healthy North Coast. The festivities aim to honour the rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements.
Budaabung Bellingen NAIDOC 2024 will be held on Monday 8 July at the Bellingen Showgrounds from 3pm -7pm with special performances by Jumbaal Dreaming, Manduway & Tom, Matty Devitt, and Tariek Hart. There will be Cultural Dance Performances by the local Budaabung Baari Dance Group, Coffs Harbour based Giingana Yiiliwiyay Dancers, and from South West Rocks we have the Figtree Descendants Dance Group.
The afternoon will also include activities and local service stalls, art and facepainting, giveaways, firepits courtesy of the RFS and lots more. The crew at Connecting Neighbourhood Centre's of the Bellingen Shire will be cooking up a feed of soups for the event and the Lion’s Club will be offering sausage sizzle.
Dean Kelly, CEO of the Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation says: “Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation recognises the immense cultural significance of the Budaabang, Bellingen NAIDOC celebration for the Gumbaynggirr nation. The Bellingen Valley, nestled in the heart of our nation, is a place of profound importance that brings together not only the local community but also reconnects the wider nation.
“This event is a beacon of unity, an opportunity to keep the cultural fire burning and to celebrate the enduring spirit of the Gumbaynggirr people. It is a time to honor our traditions, to share our stories, and to strengthen the bonds that tie us to this land and to each other.
“The Budaabang, Bellingen NAIDOC celebration is more than just an event; it is a vital act of cultural preservation, a chance for all generations to gather and reaffirm our commitment to the cultural heritage that defines us. Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation is proud to support this celebration and invites everyone to join in honouring the rich legacy of the Gumbaynggirr nation.
Lachlan Skinner from OneMob Radio added: “We are very excited to collaborate with Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation to bring a NAIDOC Week event to the Bellingen Shire. This event is for everyone, and we encourage you to join us.”
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2024 is "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud” celebrating the unyielding spirit of First Nations communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced. The theme invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected.
Mayor Steve Allan said; “This year's NAIDOC Week theme invites all Australians to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a society where the wisdom and contributions of our First Nations peoples are fully valued and respected.
Bellingen Shire Council is proud to support this year’s NAIDOC Week event, as part of our on-going commitment to acknowledge and support our rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. We invite everyone to come along, to listen, learn and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of our Gumbaynggirr people.”
For more information on NAIDCO Week visit: www.naidoc.org.au and for more information about the event in our shire head to https://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/Community/Community-Support/Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-Community/NAIDOC-Week or contact Council on 6655 7300.
