Football NSW celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures at NAIDOC in the City
In celebration of the world’s longest living Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, The City of Sydney organised a free event on Saturday 13th July at Hyde Park, on Elizabeth Street in support of NAIDOC Week (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee).
The theme of the event – ‘Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future’, acknowledges a shared vision among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for a greater role in decision-making in Australian society.
A record 10,504 people attended NAIDOC in the City which showcased the diverse histories, cultures and achievements through song, art and dance performances, stories and a variety of food.
In the Kids’ Games area, Football NSW’s presence was felt with an ALDI MiniRoos inflatable dartboard and marquee set-up. This was 1 of 5 sporting activities including other clinics from Netball NSW, Hockey NSW as well as Indigenous and fair games.
Football NSW’s Game Development Officer – Community Charlotte Ercil was delighted with how the day unfolded.
“Football NSW was fully supportive on what was an amazing day for all involved and I would like to congratulate the City of Sydney for a well run event.”
For the very first time at NAIDOC in the City, a new digital activation space located in the Culture Hub allowed users to interact with various exhibits in virtual reality (VR). Overall, there were 16 cultural exhibitors with their artwork on display.
The Kids’ Art and Culture zones respectively included face painting, art workshops and Taronga Zoo with some furry friends.
While Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders performed in the dancestry sand circle, providing an entertaining demonstration and activities for the kids.
The event was hosted by Elaine Crombie, a talented singer, song-writer and actor (with a Pitjanjtajtarra, Warrigmal, South Sea Islander background) and Luke Currie-Richardson, a former professional dancer of the Bangarra Dance Theatre (descendent of Kuku Yalanji and Djabugay peoples, the Munaldjali Clan and Meriam people).
It also featured, Indie singer and songwriter, Alice Skye (Wergaia people); 2015 Youth of the Year and self-taught guitarist, Chris Tamwoy (Badu, Boigu and Darnley Island communities); hip-hop artists Nooky (Yuin people) and Kobie Dee (Gamilaroi people) on the main stage.
To find out more about Community FC or Indigenous Programs contact Charlotte Ercil on charlottee@footballnsw.com.au or via phone on 02 8814 4459
