28 June 2019 - Media Release
Do you know where the highest point between the Blue Mountains and Sydney is and why this landmark is a significant symbol for Australians?
Cumberland Council is inviting the community to take part in a NAIDOC inspired Aboriginal Cultural tour in recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders history and culture.
Aboriginal Education Officer at Cumberland Council Joanne Buckskin said the tour will give an opportunity for people to learn about the rich legacy of the Darug language and leadership.
“The tour will reveal historical truths about the Rainbow Warrior and why the Crow watches over us today”.
This year the NAIDOC theme is Voice, Treaty and Truth and acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ desire to have more of an active role in the decision-making in Australia’s democracy.
Early this year Cumberland Council adopted the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2019-2021 which seeks to build meaningful relationships between Aboriginal Torres Strait Island Peoples, organisations, communities and staff.
Mayor Greg Cummings said the RAP affirms Council’s commitment to being a community where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people are “valued and respected”.
“NAIDOC week also provides an opportunity to celebrate and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders achievements and their rich history and culture, particularly throughout the Cumberland LGA,” Mayor Cummings said.
Cumberland Council will be celebrating NAIDOC week on July 7 to July 14 with three main events, commencing with the Fun4Kids Warali Wali celebration on July 12 from 10am to 2pm at Central Gardens, Merrylands.
Darug, which is the traditional language of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Cumberland LGA (also spelt Dharug, Daruk or Dharik), provides and explanation as to how the world came to be and how Aboriginal people lived both socially and morally.
Darug language classes will be held on July 17 between 11.00am and 3.00pm.
The Aboriginal Cultural Tour will take community members on a historic, storytelling journey, stopping on the hills of Prospect and Pemulwuy where the Bidigal clan leader fought against European colonists for his people’s right to live on their land.
Experience the Aboriginal Cultural Tour on July 24 from 10.00am to 2.30pm and breathe in the history.
For media enquires contact Elly Kohistani on 8757 9717 or Evan Ellis on 8757 9747 or email media@cumberland.nsw.gov.au.
