A display of Aboriginal cultural traditions was on show at Goulburn Valley Health’s NAIDOC Week celebrations yesterday.
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Audience members were welcomed to country by Aboriginal elder Lance James, who said this year’s NAIDOC Week was incredibly important due to the steps taken toward developing a treaty.
He was followed by Greg James who spoke about the significance and history of NAIDOC and the importance of this year’s theme — ‘‘Voice. Treaty. Truth.’’
‘‘NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity to recognise the culture and achievements of Aboriginal people,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s a chance to come together and share in the richness of our culture.’’
He went on to speak about the theme and noted the importance of truth-telling.
‘‘It is an opportunity to set the record straight,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s about telling the truth about what really happened in the past.
‘‘Aboriginal history is Australia’s history; it’s everyone’s history.’’
Guests were also treated to an entertaining didgeridoo performance by Graham Briggs after a smoking ceremony was conducted.
Goulburn Valley Health chief executive Matt Sharp said he had attended several NAIDOC events in the past and had never seen such a well-attended event.
‘‘Today’s event has been terrific,’’ he said.
The event also had the hospital formally launch its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural response plan as well as a huge announcement from the Goulburn Valley Health Foundation.
Foundation director Carmel Johnson said it would donate $25000 to GV Health’s Minya Barmah room to refurbish the facilities there.
The room houses the hospital’s Aboriginal liaison officers and provides a space where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are welcome to have a yarn, a cup of tea or just relax.