The North Stradbroke Island community came together at Dunwich State School on Wednesday 17 September to celebrate NAIDOC Week and honour indigenous servicemen and women.
NAIDOC Week celebrations fell during school holidays in July, so the day was an opportunity for all sections of the community to celebrate the 2014 theme of ‘Centenary and Beyond.’
The celebrations included the Advance Australia Fair in aboriginal language, a Quandamooka cultural talk, traditional dancing, activities and displays and a singing performance by students.
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The event was attended by Quandamooka Elders, including Mr Arthur Day who enlisted and served his country twice- WWII and Malaysia.
An updated ‘honour roll’ of Redlands’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women was also on display.
Redland City Council created the original roll with the support of Traditional Owners and it was launched during NAIDOC Week earlier this year.
Since that time further names have been received, and the event was an opportunity to unveil the updated poster on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah and honour the sacrifices of our local indigenous servicemen and women.
Dunwich State School students had created a ‘slouch hat’ artwork that included names taken from the honour roll.
Many of the students share family ties with the servicemen and women who are listed, so it was a unique way of connecting students to their heritage and giving them a greater understanding of how Traditional Owners have served Country.
The day’s activities were organised by Dunwich State School and members of the Quandamooka Forum and supported by Redland City Council and the Australian Government— Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Quandamooka Elder Mr Arthur Day attended the Dunwich NAIDOC celebrations.
Students enjoyed a Quandamooka Cultural Talk (image courtesy of Dunwich State School)
