The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting the community to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2024 at a special Flag Raising featuring a Dja Dja Wurrung Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at 10am, Monday July 8 in the Bendigo Library Gardens.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said NAIDOC Week 2024 is an important annual event featuring a range of local activities between Sunday July 7 and Sunday July 14.
“The Bendigo NAIDOC Week Committee has again produced a wonderful program of events which is available on the City’s website and the Bendigo NAIDOC Week Facebook page,” Cr Metcalf said.
“NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“It is also a great opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.”
The NAIDOC Week theme for 2024 is ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud’. The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Events taking place during the week
Launch of the Knuldoorong Art Exhibition on Thursday July 4 at Dudley House, 60 View Street, Bendigo with the exhibition running daily from 11am to 4pm - July 5 to July 14.
City of Greater Bendigo NAIDOC flag raising and civic reception 10am to 12pm on Monday July 8 at Bendigo Library Gardens and the Bendigo Town Hall.
Recognition of our Elders – Past and Present screening event at Star Cinema, Eaglehawk from 7pm on Monday July 8.
St John of God First Nations art exhibition being hosted in the atrium for the month of July, open daily 8am – 8pm.
BDAC NAIDOC Week Flag Raising Ceremony and Youth Awards 10am to 12pm on Friday July 5 at BDAC, 119 Prouses Road.