Press Release
Barwon Coast invites the community to celebrate National NAIDOC Week
Barwon Coast is inviting Bellarine Peninsula residents to join them to ‘Celebrate our Elders’ for National NAIDOC Week and recognise the Wadawurrung people’s connection to our local coastal and marine environment.
National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
National NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity for Barwon Coast to encourage connection to Country and celebrate our relationship with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC), who we work with to care for the coast.
Barwon Coast manages the beaches and foreshores along Collendina, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, 13th Beach and Breamlea. These areas are rich in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, including a number of significant registered sites. Working collaboratively with the Wadawurrung is a core focus of Barwon Coasts primary strategic planning document, the Barwon Coast Coastal and Marine Management Plan 2020-2025.
The local community and coastal visitors are invited to join for a special National NAIDOC Week event, with representatives from Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation performing a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, followed by a didgeridoo performance at Bukareeyoo (Ocean Grove Spit) on Monday 3 July.
“We want to acknowledge the Wadawurrung Elders past and present for their critical role in caring for the land, waters, seas and skies of Collendina, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, 13th Beach and Breamlea for thousands of years,” Barwon Coast CEO Gary McPike said.
“The relationship with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation helps us ensure our work continues to focus on fulfilling the aspirations of Paleert Tjaara Dja – Let’s make Country good together 2020 – 2030, Wadawurrung Country Plan; understanding the Wadawurrung people’s cultural perspective and working together to keep Wadawurrung Country healthy.”
“National NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for our coastal community to continue to learn about Wadawurrung traditions, Culture and history. It is a great way for families to come together to connect with and participate in celebrating the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.”
The National NAIDOC Week celebration will be held at the tip of Bukareeyoo (Ocean Grove Spit), which can be accessed from 20W Oceanside car park, on Monday 3 July at 9.30am.
-ENDS-
Notes for editors:
Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. (Barwon Coast)
Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. (Barwon Coast) is appointed by the Victorian State Government to manage 19km of coastal Crown land through the Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and Breamlea townships, along the Bass Strait coast of the Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. Our vision is that the natural environment of our coastline will flourish whilst meeting the needs of our engaged communities. A major local employer in Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove, we have more than 50 skilled employees from a diverse range of backgrounds working across the coastal reserve.