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NAIDOC Week – 7 to 14 July

By Labrina Triskelidis • For release on July 5, 2024

NAIDOC Week will be celebrated nationally from 7-14 July. The 2024 NAIDOC theme of ‘Keep the Fire Burning!’ is a nod to the vitality and endurance of culture, and a nod to connection with Country and community, while ‘Blak, Loud and Proud’ represents an unapologetic celebration of identity.

NAIDOC Week is an important time in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander calendar and presents an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. 

To celebrate NAIDOC Week at BHN, we will be rolling out an activity across all BHN sites to encourage our staff and volunteers to get together, collaborate on a piece of Aboriginal artwork and have some conversations about First Nations culture and achievement.

Merilyn Duff, proud Trawlwoolway woman, Aboriginal artist and BHN’s Program Lead for Indigenous Access and Equity has designed a collaborative poster to be coloured in segments and pieced together to form an artwork.

We invite you to join us –  download the artwork here and add your unique touch.

Merilyn’s artwork depicts symbols that hold significance to the Wurundjeri and Bunerong/Boon Wurrung people. These symbols include:

  1. Bunjil the Eagle– He is the creator being for Wurundjeri and Bunerong people.
  2. Possum skin cloak– A significant item for Wurundjeri and Bunerong people. Used in ceremony and family stories are depicted on the skin.
  3. Gum leaves – Wurundjeri are known as the Mannagum people. As such, gum leaves are very important on these lands.
  4. Local flowers and gum nuts – Native flowers are used for all manner of food and drink. The blossom in the drawing can be soaked in water until the honey type liquid is infused into the water and becomes a lovely, sweet drink.
  5. Family groups –Family is important to all Aboriginal people across the country.
  6. Yarning circle –An important place for communication, resolution, reflection and forgiveness.
  7. Fire – A fire is a gathering place, a place to yarning/conversation/connection. Depending on what is being burnt, the smoke of the fire is cleaning of the mind and soul.
  8. The Yarra River – Known as the Birrarung which flows through Naarm (Melbourne) and up through many suburbs into the Yarra Valley.

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