Benalla’s Aboriginal heritage celebrated at community NAIDOC Week event

By Simon Ruppert

Jul 15, 2024

Senior Constable Lize-Mari Mitchley from the Public Order Response Team, Police Community Liaison Officer Eric Egan and Police Aboriginal Liaison Officer Leading Senior Constable Lisa Atkinson at Benalla’s NAIDOC Week celebrations. Photo by Contributed

The Benalla community came together on Tuesday, July 9, to celebrate NAIDOC Week at the Glasshouse.

The event was hosted by Benalla Rural City Council, Benalla Health and the Benalla Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group.

Benalla's NAIDOC Week event featured live music performed by Madi Colville-Walker, who is a Yorta Yorta singer, based in Moama. Photo by Simon Ruppert

Its aim was to celebrate the rich history, culture and achievements of Australia’s First Nations people, especially those who have called the area home for countless generations.

Victoria Aboriginal Childcare Agency representatives Chloe Maher, Hayley Toovey and Emma Warne at Benalla's NAIDOC Week event. Photo by Simon Ruppert

Earlier in the day, a flag raising ceremony took place at the Benalla Civic Centre on Mair St.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were raised against the cloudy winter sky, emphasising unity and the enduring connection to country.

Aunty Sharon Nylen, Aunty Gayelene Arandall, Aunty Cheryl Cooper and Aunty Carol Alliman at Benalla's NAIDOC Week celebration. Photo by Contributed

At 11am, the celebration shifted to the Benalla Lakeside Community Centre, also known as the Glasshouse, drawing in a diverse crowd of 250 attendees, who immersed themselves in a range of cultural activities.

Dale Topham and Trent Jones from the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service at Benalla's NAIDOC Week event. Photo by Simon Ruppert

A unique piece of art created by local Aboriginal artist Aunty Cheryl Cooper, infused with symbolism and storytelling, was officially unveiled, reinforcing the importance of reconciliation in preserving First Nations heritage.

Local organisations including Benalla Rural City Council, Benalla Health, Winton Wetlands, the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation, Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service, Thales, Tomorrow Today Foundation, Personnel Group, Treaty for Victoria, Benalla Art Gallery, Benalla Library and the Victorian Police showcased their programs and initiatives.

Visitors engaged in conversations about reconciliation, health, education, and community development.

There were plenty of activities for youngsters to do at Benalla's NAIDOC Week event. Photo by Simon Ruppert

Benalla Mayor Danny Claridge said he was grateful for the community’s support.

“NAIDOC Week is a time to learn, listen, and celebrate,” Cr Claridge said.

The Galnya Yenbena Dance Group performed at Benalla's NAIDOC Week event.

“Our shared commitment to reconciliation strengthens our community, and it is great to see this event go from strength to strength.”

Benalla Health CEO Jacqueline Kelly was in attendance.

Youngsters took part in some craft activities at Benalla's NAIDOC Week event. Photo by Simon Ruppert

“NAIDOC Week this year focuses on connection to country and to each other, and it was wonderful to see such a huge turnout at this year’s event with so many engaging activities encouraging everyone who attended to get involved and celebrate collectively,” she said.

NAIDOC Week in Benalla was organised by the Benalla Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, with support from the Benalla Social Inclusion Action Group, Benalla Health, Benalla Rural City Council and the First People’s Assembly of Victoria — Treaty for Victoria.