Naidoc Week will showcase culture

Harvey Community Radio will celebrate Naidoc Week with a showcase of the culture, history and achievements of indigenous people.

Past celebrations have traditionally ran over a single day, but volunteer station manager Janine Quicke had a different idea for 2019.

“I had this idea back in March when we were discussing who was doing what within the community for the day when I thought to myself, ‘why don’t we all work together and make a week of it’?” Ms Quicke said.

The station’s Indigenous Programming Project which initiated the first Aboriginal program for community radio in the South West, will host its first six-day celebration.

“We were very lucky to have secured funding from Harvey Water, Alcoa Refinery and government grants.

“It is going to be a big week of events,” Ms Quicke said.

Aboriginal elders and community members have been called upon to help with event organisation and networking.

“The Naidoc Week committee have secured arrangements for culturally appropriate opening and closing ceremonies and plenty of entertainment.”

Bush medicine workshops, bush tucker tasting, indigenous artefacts and local art displays are just a few of the things locals can expect over the week.

“As event organisation evolves and interest increases, more and more activities and interactive events are being included.”

“I’ve been inspired by the fact that Harvey is grasping that idea of collaboration and this is one of the things that I would like to see work out to show that collaborating works.”

“I’m really excited to see the Aboriginal community have the confidence to showcase their culture and achievements to Harvey.”

Naidoc Week celebrations will be running from June 4 to 9 at the Harvey Town Hall. For more information including what’s on when visit the Harvey Naidoc Week 2019 Facebook page.