A number of communities across our Diocese are celbrating NAIDOC week this fortnight. The theme for 2010 is Unsung Heroes - Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way. There are still some events that you may wish to participate in. Details for Oakey's NAIDOC week can be found on our events page by clicking here
A wonderful community morning tea was held at St Patrick's Cathedral Centre on Wednesday the 7th July. Two NAIDOC award winners for Toowoomba city were Grace Weatherall and Lawrie Stewart. You can hear some of their story in an interview with local ABC Radio's David Iliffe follow the links below.
Lawrie's Story Grace's Story
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Oakey NAIDOC 2009
There is something ancient and something strong about NAIDOC celebrations. From the 1920s when Aboriginal people refused to participate in Australia Day celebrations on the 26th January through to today it is the major calendar event for Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islanders in Australia. A group of people are saying loudly, “We have survived! And what’s more we are part of this community.” NAIDOC week is an opportunity for all Australians to take time to celebrate the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
And what a week it was in Oakey for 2009. With next to no funding but a great enthusiasm to create the first event for 17 years the Oakey Reconciliation Group brought about an amazing collection of sight, sound, story and helped create a sense of community pride. Dancers from Nunuckle Yuggara group educated and entertained school children and the wider Oakey community. Respected author Uncle Herb Wharton kept audiences enthralled as he brought to life stories of the far South West. Musicians from as far away as Northern New South Wales joined with local talent to showcase Aboriginal music. Walking down the main street with a gathering of great good will. There was no place you would rather be on a sunny morning in July!
(Photographs courtesy of Saskia Smith and the Oakey Champion newspaper. Bottom Right William Haupt and Cameron Pender from Oakey participate. Bottom centre Jodie Pender and the days best volunteer - Tereki. Bottom Left The Oakey Reconciliation BBQ and Morning Tea stall - Jodie Pender, Firebrace Wharton and Larissa Smith. Top Right Uncle Herb Wharton, Aunty Zona Martin, Mark Copland and Jennifer Wharton-Hazzard Top Centre - Nunuckle Yuggara Dance group with Anne Marie Tyrie at St Monica's School. Top Left - Josh Arnold performing with Oakey's own William Haupt.)
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