STROUD’S Lions Park was a place of laughter, learning and connection during a major NAIDOC Week celebration on Wednesday 15 July.
The free family event saw many children and adults alike celebrate Aboriginal culture and deepen their connection to Country.
The day began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, led by Uncle Justin Ridgeway, which set the tone for a day built on respect, reflection and celebration.
Accompanied by Kaiyu on the didgeridoo, Uncle Justin invited everyone to let the smoke carry away their stress, allow them move forward with kindness, and continue to walk together as one race – the human race – practising ‘wakulda,’ – walking together as one.
“One of the highlights of the day was the traditional Worimi dance workshop led by the young men from Murrook Culture Centre,” local author Rachel Barry told NOTA.
“Children and adults eagerly joined in, following their movements as they learned the Dance of Dreamtime to the music of the didgeridoo and the beat of the clap sticks.
“Participants learned the story of a time when only the spirits and the animals wandered the earth.
“The workshop offered a meaningful opportunity for everyone to experience culture through movement, music and storytelling,” she said.
“The experience has made a lasting impression on the children,” said Katie Gorton, who runs a local family day care.
“The kids loved it, and they spoke all afternoon about the dance.”
Throughout the morning, children participated in storytelling, and Rachel Barry shared her recently published and locally set children’s book, Where Ripples Rise, encouraging kids to connect to Country.
Uncle Justin captivated the audience with Dreaming stories and spoke about the importance of storytelling in Aboriginal culture.
He shared how stories had been passed down through generations to teach, preserve knowledge, strengthen identity and maintain a deep connection to Country.
“My heart is so full,” said Newcastle artist Estelle Leishman, who was in Stroud as part of the celebrations.
“I had the pleasure of talking to a few young artists about my foraged paint-making practice, and showing them how to grind up ochre from the riverbed… I definitely felt a bit emotional seeing so many young ones running around saying, ‘Look, ochre!'”
Kids also engaged in a nature hunt, exploring the site to find words in Gathang language and recording them in mini-zines, and were given the opportunity to plant trees with Stroud Community Rivercare.
The day concluded with a free community barbecue provided by the Pathfinders Community Organisation, creating another opportunity for people to gather, share conversations and celebrate together.
During the event, Allan Raine from the Stroud Historical Society also spoke about the town’s upcoming bicentenary celebrations.
“While Stroud is preparing to celebrate 200 years of European history, the story of this place stretches back thousands of years, acknowledging and paying respect to the rich Aboriginal history and enduring connection to Country that has always existed here,” Allan said.
“This event showcased the strength of community partnerships and highlighted the value of creating opportunities for children to learn about the world’s oldest living culture through meaningful, hands-on experiences,” Rachel Barry added.
Organisers thanked everyone who attended, along with the volunteers, presenters and partner organisations whose generosity and collaboration made the day such a memorable success.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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