Fraser Coast NAIDOC Week
Fraser Coast acknowledges the original knowledge-keepers and storytellers of the land on which we live, work and play – the Butchulla (Badtjala) People to the east and the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) People to the west. We pay our respects to their Elders – past, present and emerging – and extend that respect to other First Nations people.
Our Fraser Coast Foster and Kinship Care Team recognises and respects First Nations and Torres Strait Islander people’s history and culture. We develop this through diversity, opportunities and respectful relationships.
What a fantastic opportunity we had recently in celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of First Nations peoples. The NAIDOC Week event was held at the Fraser Coast Neighbourhood Centre in Hervey Bay.
Thank you to our incredible staff Paige Collova, Sheriden Crompton, Sue Conroy and Tanya Winter who womaned our stall and made connections throughout the day to engage our community and drive interest for carers in the Fraser Coast region.
The Fraser Coast community came together to enjoy rides, live music, prizes, community stalls with kids activities and dancing. Kids got to make clapsticks, which have been traditionally used for song, dance and ceremony for thousands of years and have inspired jarjums (kids) to engage with sound, song and dance.
The community was able to immerse themselves in traditional Indigenous dancing, leading them into stories that have been passed down through generations. Stories that surround the land, animals, dreamtime and Aboriginal peoples.
K’gari Butchulla Dance Group was formed around 2005. They are passionate about teaching children and increasing cultural awareness throughout the community. Dance combines all elements of Butchulla culture —language, song, stories—sourced from oral history. Young Butchulla people proudly and enthusiastically embrace their culture—learning language, dance and art; sharing experiences; and teaching younger children. Fraser Coast Community groups, such as the Korrawinga Aboriginal Corporation, Wondunna Aboriginal Corporation, and K’gari Educational and Cultural Centre Incorporated, ensure Butchulla culture survives.
The Butchulla community is like an extended family, composed of those who are Butchulla born, those who possess strong cultural connections, and returned descendants of those removed from their country. In some families, when a Butchulla baby is born, it is taken to K’gari for a naming ceremony, and introduced to the elders. Today, all are finding fulfilment in their spiritual and cultural connections.
A big thank you to staff member Daniel Findlay who was there to support in the celebrations and help set up the stalls with our Fraser Coast team, let’s keep the fire burning for our Fraser Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who embrace Blak Loud and Proud!