Cultural history on display for NAIDOC Week

“Always Was, Always Will Be.”

That is the theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, which began on Sunday.

Usually held in July, the week aims to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme recognises that First Nations people have occupied the country for more than 65,000 years, and invites South West residents to explore the cultural history of the region and the State.

Members of Bunbury’s Noongar community came together yesterday to brave the rain for a flag raising ceremony at South West Health Campus.

Students from the Djidi Djidi School performed at the ceremony outside Bunbury Hospital, before St John of God Bunbury hosted its own celebrations with the unveiling of new artwork by Cassie Jetta.

Local Aboriginal elders, family and hospital staff attended the unveiling of Ms Jetta’s two original pieces, which have been installed in the hospital entryway.

“We asked Cassie to come up with something that represented welcoming in a Noongar way,” CEO Jeffrey Williams said.

“The two panels depict the elements of local Aboriginal culture.”

A free NAIDOC Week community movie night will be hosted at Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre on Thursday.