For our loved ones, our Elders

Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-Operative is busy preparing for a bumper NAIDOC Week this year.

The week, which takes place July 2-9 of 2023, will seek to celebrate the contributions, love, and legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders

Goolum Goolum Chair Jake Goodes said Goolum Goolum acknowledged the prominent role Elders held in our community.

"They are the cultural knowledge holders and teachers. They are the activists, survivors, leaders, and hard workers who have fought for a better future for our people,” he said.

"They are the foundation of our communities and our loved ones who are there for us during the hard times and the good times.

“They are our role models. They know when to guide us to a better path and when to pull us into line.

“They can also be our quiet achievers within our families and communities.”

He acknowledged the contributions Elders have made to generate positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Our Elders have borne the burden of having to make change in the face of intergenerational inequality. Equality they continue to fight for today,” he said.

“We must pay thanks, respect, and acknowledge our Elders. Take the time to sit down with your Elders and listen to them. They are a critical link keeping our culture alive.

"Their strength carries on the survival of our people.”

To commemorate Elders of our community, portrait flags are being displayed along Firebrace and Hamilton Street in Horsham. Portraits credit to Matt Dooling photographer.

This year marks the 48th annual NAIDOC Week, an annual occasion of remembrance and resistance that has evolved into a vibrant national celebration of our Communities, Cultures and Country. This is all alongside our excellence, collective resilience and survival as custodians of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.

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Goolum Goolum has a range of activities planned for this year’s event.

This includes our flag-raising ceremony and art exhibition opening on Monday, Silo Art Tour ‘For Our Elders’ on Tuesday, Meet the Artists evening at the Horsham Art Gallery Wednesday, Courtney Ugle meet-and-greet Thursday and our annual Walk, Run event with community barbecue on the Friday.

See the official program here: https://issuu.com/ goolumgoolum/docs/naidoc_e-book?

For more info contact Communications Officer Dylan De Jong on 0419 728 500 or email Dylan.dejong@goolumgoolum.org.au