Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association chief executive officer Paula Morgan has hailed another highly successful NAIDOC Week celebration in Lakes Entrance.
Community members, families, and visitors gathered at Apex Park on Sunday, July 5, to enjoy a day of laughter, connection, and cultural pride under beautiful winter sunshine.
“For 50 years, NAIDOC Week has been a time for our communities to come together to celebrate culture, honour our Elders, and recognise the strength of generations who have kept our stories, languages, and traditions alive,” Ms Morgan said.
“‘Fifty Years of Deadly’ is a celebration of mob — our resilience, our pride, and the connections that continue to strengthen our communities every day. It reminds us that NAIDOC has always belonged to community and will continue to be carried forward by the next generation.”
Upon arrival, attendees were welcomed with special NAIDOC merchandise, including a tote bag filled with locally designed items featuring artwork by talented local artist Rechelle Andy-Lee, celebrating local culture and creativity.
Aunty Lisa Giblin opened the festivities by welcoming everyone to Gunaikurnai Country with a heartfelt Welcome to Country. The Gudhu Gunai Dancers then captivated the crowd with a powerful cultural performance, drawing eager local children to join in and dance alongside them.
The park offered a diverse range of activities for all ages, including local food vans, an interactive wildlife show featuring snakes and reptiles, a jumping castle, and an appearance by the Wacky Wombat. Throughout the day, the main event marquee became a central hub for community members to share meals, enjoy a coffee, and catch up with old friends.
“It was a wonderful celebration of culture, community, and connection, reflecting the spirit of NAIDOC Week and the strength that comes from coming together as mob,” Ms Morgan said.
