26 June 2017 – Media Release
How do you say “G’day” in Darug? Find out by attending Cumberland Council’s award winning ‘Darug Language and Culture Class,’ one of the highlights of Council’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, on 2 – 9 July 2017.
The theme for this year is “Our languages matter.” As part of this Council is hosting a series of activities and events celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including:
- NAIDOC Week Aboriginal Art Exhibition at Merrylands
- Guided bus and walking tour of Aboriginal sites across Cumberland
- Interactive school holiday program with Uncle Lex at Granville
- Tour and picnic lunch at Nurragingy Reserve
- Aboriginal cultural awareness training in West Guildford
- Indigenous craft making across Cumberland Libraries
Cumberland Council Interim General Manager Malcolm Ryan said the Darug Language and Culture Class was an obvious fit with this year’s theme.
“The Darug language is one of the many spoken languages of Sydney. In recent years many people have worked hard to revive Darug as a spoken language,” Mr Ryan said.
“The Language and Culture Class was designed to promote the Darug language and increase appreciation of Indigenous culture.
“The class is playing an important role in connecting Aboriginal men and women of all ages with their culture, which is why it was recognised at the 2017 ZEST awards.
“For those who want to do their learning outside of the classroom, they can take a tour of the cultural and historical sites that are significant to Aboriginal people.
“The ticketed walking and bus tour will go right across Cumberland and include a visit to Prospect Hill, the site of the first act of reconciliation between Europeans and Indigenous Australians in 1805.
“Cumberland’s history stretches back thousands of years through the Darug people, while Indigenous Australians continue to play an active and dynamic role in our community today.
“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to celebrate both our history and our present.”
The Darug Language and Culture class will be held on Thursday 6 July, 2017 10am-2pm at Guildford Youth Centre. Register at cumberland.nsw.gov.au.
For the full program of events visit the What’s On section of cumberland.nsw.gov.au
