Week of celebration brings whole community together

Featuring a KEEDAC morning tea and an event from the Stephen Michael Foundation, this year’s NAIDOC Week had plenty for the kids around Narrogin to enjoy.

Celebrating the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations kicked-off in Narrogin with an opening ceremony on Tuesday, July 6.

But on Monday, there was also a low-key event held by the Stephen Michael Foundation and enjoyed by 10 lucky kids who were taken out to Dryandra for an on-country experience.

Narrogin SMF staff member Ralph Kickett with Chad Kickett, Uncle Basil Kickett and their family, helped the children learn more about Aboriginal culture.

The event included a site tour of the old Dryandra School, native wildlife experiences with echidnas and numbats, and an education session from Mr Kickett on local Aboriginal hunting tools.

The activity embodied this year’s theme of Heal Country, embracing First Nations people’s knowledge and understanding of country.

Children also turned out for the KEEDAC morning tea on Thursday, with a small crowd enjoying face painting, bead making and more.

KEEDAC chief executive Leanne Kickett said it was a great opportunity for kids to come together and an encouraging sign of things to come.

“Seeing community members coming out and enjoying the day was great,” she said.

“Just seeing the kids enjoying the activities while they’re there at NAIDOC because usually we don’t have enough for kids to do.”

Ms Kickett said she would encourage more people to get involved for NAIDOC next year.