NAIDOC Week was launched in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong on Monday with traditional flag-raising and smoking ceremonies.
Maribyrnong council flew the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at the Footscray town hall, while Hobsons Bay’s equivalent event took place at Altona.
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said the week celebrated the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“The national theme this year is ‘Songlines – the living narrative of our nation’,” Cr Hemphill said.
“It highlights the history of Dreamtime and the importance of songlines – the record of travels of ancestral spirits, who ‘sang’ the land into life.”
Cr Hemphill said the Hobsons Bay community valued its diversity, heritage and cultural life.
Footscray Community Arts Centre will host special events and exhibitions, including a performance with stories and musical jams at 6pm, Thursday, while Boon Wurrung elder Aunty Fay Stewart-Muir will host a storytelling session at Williamstown library from 11am until noon on July 7.
Bookings and information: libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or call 1300 HOB LIB
