Aunty Bernadette Franklin welcoming the Mansfield community to the official opening of NAIDOC week with a traditional smoking ceremony.
NAIDOC Week 2022 was Mansfield Shire’s biggest yet with a week of free events throughout the town celebrating the national week of recognition. Mansfield Shire council received a $10,000 grant from the Victorian Government, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions which enabled an extensive program for 2022 as well as infrastructure and materials for years to come.
Gadhaba Local Aboriginal Network, Taungurung Land & Waters Council & Mansfield Shire Council partnered up to design and deliver the program.
The following local businesses and groups were involved in the program. Gadhaba, Taungurung Land & Waters Council, Mansfield Shire Council , Community Bank Mansfield & District Bendigo Bank, Aboriginal Exhibitions Gallery, Luruk-In, MACE, Delatite Winery, Mansfield Printing Embroidery & Trophies, The Kitchen Door, Merchant Coffee Roasters, Radio Mansfield 99.7FM and the Mansfield Armchair Cinema.
A summary of each event is outlined below.
NAIDOC Week Launch – Flag Raising, smoking ceremony, welcome to country
Taking place at the Visitor Information Centre, originally to be hosted by Aunty Jo Honeysett, however she was ill and unable to attend so the Economic Development Officer – Tourism & Events Gareth MacDonald stepped into the role with a push from Aunty Bernadette.
Aunty Bernadette Franklin officially welcomed us to Taungurung land, as we had three residents raise the flags of their respective lands. The mayor delivered a speech discussing the importance of NAIDOC and Councils’ commitment to genuine action and recognition. Then a cleansing of the land and people with a smoking ceremony to signal the start of our NAIDOC week celebrations.
The event was well attended with approx. 70 people taking part.
Indigenous Morning Tea
An indigenous ingredients inspired morning tea with Megan Knapp of The Kitchen Door and a special NAIDOC coffee blend from Merchant Coffee Roasters held at MACE. Unfortunately, Aunty Jo Honeysett was scheduled to be guest speaker at the morning tea but was unwell so could not attend. This did not hinder enthusiasm with 52 in attendance and a great chance for people to speak with those involved in Gadhaba and Taungurung.
Storytime
Gadhaba chair Miranda Connaughton read a selection of Indigenous stories to a group of 32 children at the Mansfield Youth Centre. This was an amazing chance to have children involved and to see our Indigenous residents and raise knowledge of their involvement in the shire.
Feedback was extremely positive with many parents thanking us for organising.
The Sapphires
Partnering with Mansfield Armchair Cinema to deliver a free screening of the Indigenous film ‘The Sapphires’. The event sold out with 35 people in attendance.
Art Workshop
We originally had two art workshops organised however had to cancel our youth specific one due to illness of Aunty Jo Honeysett. We contacted all those who had booked and invited them to our Mon Mungan Healing Bracelet workshop with Cassie Leatham.
The Mon Mungan workshop received 28 attendees and was an interactive, immersive and educational program. People who attended were blown away with Cassie and the workshop in general with many giving feedback of how much they enjoyed it and thanks for presenting the program.
Luruk In Art Exhibition
Taungurung artist Aimee McCartney displayed some artwork on loan in the Mansfield Shire Building Foyer. Also included in this were some earrings and weaved baskets from her mother. These were available for purchase.. Reports from the service staff at the front desk were that they were highly viewed by people waiting and worthwhile.
Jack Macale Art Exhibition
‘Aboriginal Exhibitions Gallery’ director Hans Sip donated a collection of works for display at the Visitor Information Centre for NAIDOC. His generosity of not only a collection of art but also artifacts such as boomerangs and carved woomeras. Using the grant, we were able to install a beautiful new permanent gallery space at the end of the hall at the Visitor Information Centre. . An official opening for the exhibition took place on Monday 4 July with Hans Sip in attendance. This art gallery is now a permanent Indigenous gallery space.
Gadhaba LAN Dinner
A celebration dinner for NAIDOC with members of Gadhaba.
Radio Mansfield
Radio Mansfield offered a range of programming with an Indigenous theme and presented a play that is ongoing throughout all of July. Council also worked with Radio Mansfield to promote NAIDOC week.