Collie PCYC brings NAIDOC celebrations to the community

Yarn braiding, boomerang art, bookmark making and family photos with a professional photographer were just some of the activities offered at Collie PCYC’s NAIDOC Event.

The event, run in partnership with the Department of Communities, South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS), Shooting Stars, Shire of Collie and The Smith Family, began with a Welcome to Country presented by Elder Joseph Northover and a Wanju performed by children from Wilson Park Primary School.

A touching Kangaroo dance was performed by young people from Collie PCYC’s safeSPACE™ Program. After the honour of being taken through the dance by their ‘Pop’ - Elder Joe Northover at Collie PCYC’s first NAIDOC event in 2021, the boys worked hard to learn the moves so they could perform the dance at the 2022 NAIDOC celebrations, with their Pop proudly singing alongside them while they performed.

Over 100 community members came together to celebrate the rich history and diverse culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with stories and knowledge being shared over kangaroo stew and damper. Residents from Collie’s Senior Citizens Centre also helped out with catering, providing curry, sandwiches, pies and fresh fruit for everyone to enjoy.

After such a successful event, Collie PCYC are thrilled to have been granted permission from their local Aboriginal community to host NAIDOC events every year, ensuring Noongar children will be involved and collaborated with throughout the planning process.