By BRIDGET COOK
THE Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) Cranbourne will celebrate Aboriginal and Islander cultures and the contribution they have made to this country next week.
Celebrations will be held around the country to celebrate NAIDOC Week and Cranbourne will be no exception with a full day of activities planned at the gardens for the second annual Koolin-ik ba kirrip-buluk event.
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
The week aims to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to the country and society.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is to honour all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have fought in defence of country.
The RBG will celebrate this theme with a special program of cultural activities including a Welcome to Country by Aunty Carolyn Briggs and Aunty Di Kerr, Indigenous acknowledgement of servicemen and women, lighting of the fire pit on Gibson’s Hill, Ron Murray’s storytelling workshop about his Uncle Stewart Murray who fought in World War II, and the opportunity to access records on the Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll.
Popular activities from last year’s event will return in 2014 and run at various times throughout the day including clap stick decorating, Aboriginal dance, ochre rock painting, string making and weaving, all culminating in a special closing ceremony.
“There’s something for everyone at this year’s event,” said RBG Cranbourne acting director Sharon Willoughby.
“Whether it’s the barbecue, craft activities, potting up a plant or learning more about the role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have played in our armed services over the years, you’re bound to have a great day – and best of all, it’s all free.”
The Koolin-ik ba kirrip-buluk celebration is presented by the RBG Cranbourne in partnership with Southern VACCA, Communities for Children Projects, Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation, and DDACL – Aboriginal Best Start.
It will be held on Wednesday 9 July from 10am to 3pm in the Australian Garden.
