Alistair Lee, Sarah Hill and Many Mobs co-founder and CEO, Aunty Iris Troutman after Friday’s Cultural Connections Day Bridge Walk from Mulwala to Yarrawonga.
People of all ages came together last week to celebrate Indigenous culture and learn ancient crafting techniques in NAIDOC Week.
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Free school holiday workshops across Federation Shire gave families and community members a hands-on way to connect with Aboriginal culture and storytelling.
Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation and locals from across the region celebrated NAIDOC Week with the annual Cultural Connections Day Bridge Walk from Mulwala to Yarrawonga on Friday.
Aunty Iris, Jade, Christine and Laneequa at Rand, celebrating the Australia’s 50th NAIDOC Week.
Federation Shire general manager, Adrian Butler, councillors David Harrison and Susan Wearne, and Community Development team leader, Amber Harvey participated in the walk as part of the Shire’s ongoing commitment to building strong community relationships and relaunching Federation Shire’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
Moira Shire Council was represented by chair administrator, Dr Graeme Emonson who addressed the crowd.
This year’s events were extra special, marking the 50th anniversary of National NAIDOC Week under the theme ‘50 Years of Deadly’.
The Cultural Connections Day Bridge Walk from Mulwala ended with celebrations on the Yarrawonga foreshore..
Federation Council was very proud to welcome respected knowledge holder and Many Mobs CEO Aunty Iris Troutman, who led the sessions with the help of her nieces, Laneequah and Jade Hooper.
Under their patient guidance, participants learned how to weave using traditional techniques making a small basket.
The workshops were much more than just a craft lesson, they gave the community a friendly space to talk, listen, and learn about Aboriginal history and culture together.
The workshop tour started at the Corowa Civic Centre on July 7, before moving to the Mulwala Hall the following day.
The final workshop wrapped up at the Rand School of Arts Hall.
Lots of people were keen for weaving in Corowa.
The excitement continued into at the Howlong Library, where community members celebrated NAIDOC Week with a special Indigenous Storytime and a fun cardboard boomerang-making activity.
Mayor Cheryl Cook said she was delighted to see so many people take part.
"We are grateful to Aunty Iris, Jade, and Laneequah for generously sharing their culture with us," Cr Cook said.
"Seeing our community spaces filled with children, families, and residents of all backgrounds learning and creating together was a fantastic way to honour 50 years of NAIDOC Week.
“It was wonderful that everyone could take home a beautiful, self-made woven piece alongside a deeper understanding of First Nations heritage."
Children from Mulwala Public School also took part in the bridge walk.
Council also extended its sincere thanks to Wiradyuri artist, filmmaker, and cultural advocate Elijah Ingram.
In partnership with Council, Ingram presented his photography exhibition, Where I Was to Where I Am, at the Corowa Art Space from Reconciliation Week through to NAIDOC Week.
Traditonal weaving in Mulwala, the workshops took place across Federation Shire last week.
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