A joint media release from the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network.

Bass Coast Reconciliation Network announces NAIDOC Week celebrations with two community events including the Annual Indigenous Art Exhibition and a Reconciliation Bridge Walk that was rescheduled from National Reconciliation Week.

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This year’s NAIDOC Week runs from 3 to 10 July and the theme is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! the inspiration for both the events.

The Annual Indigenous Art Exhibition at the Wonthaggi ArtSpace showcases and celebrates local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. The 2022 exhibition is hosted by the Bass Coast and South Gippsland Reconciliation Group from 29 June to 14 August, seven days a week from 11.00am-3.00pm.

The official opening of the Exhibition is on Sunday, 3 July from 1.00pm-3.00pm but you will need to register to attend for RSVP and catering. www.trybooking.com/CAEVM

The Exhibition opening will begin with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country by the Bunurong Land Council, artists guest speakers and the visual arts exhibition will be open for viewing. You can also see the virtual exhibition by visiting: www.naidoc-art.com.au

We are excited to confirm that in addition to the art show, we have rescheduled the Reconciliation Bridge Walk to 15 July. The Bridge Walk will start at 11.00am at the San Remo Foreshore with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. At 11.30am we will make our way from San Remo and across the bridge to Graydens Reserve, Newhaven, on Millowl (Phillip Island) for a BBQ, flag raising, banner painting and yarning.

Both community events are a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ culture and achievements and provide an opportunity for each of us to make change, support community this NAIDOC, and simply Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!

The Bass Coast Reconciliation Network provides much needed support to make these events possible and is made up of members from Bass Coast Shire Council, Bass Coast Health, Westernport Water, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bunurong Land Council, Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members.