Community and Elders combine for NAIDOC Week celebration in Tea Gardens Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad by News Of The Area - Modern Media - July 24, 2024 All participated in the traditional smoking ceremony. ELDERS from the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Aboriginal Reference Group and First Nations residents welcomed the community last Tuesday for the second NAIDOC celebration held at Tea Gardens Public School (TGPS). “Our theme – ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’ – follows on from the failed referendum, and continues NAIDOC’s long-standing practice of responding to current events and looking to the future of the ongoing survival of our people,” TGHN Aboriginal Reference Group Elder Liz McEntyre told NOTA. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “It calls us to continue honouring the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture. “It invites everyone to stand in solidarity, and to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel valued, accepted and respected. “For all time, Worimi People have belonged to, connected with, and cared for lands bounded by four rivers – the Hunter to the south, the Manning to the north, and the Allyn and Paterson to the west. “Helping us are our ever-amazing partners: Worimi LALC and Murrook Culture Centre, MidCoast Council, TGPS, HNTG Progress Association, Tea Gardens Lions, as well as Aboriginal workers from various government organisations who want us to know how loud and proud they are to be serving the local community. “Marrungbu – thank you. “The TGHN Aboriginal Reference Group would like to especially thank Jimmy Drinkwater for the fish he caught, cleaned, and filleted for the community to enjoy.” Attendees were invited to partake in a traditional smoking ceremony, before enjoying the many activities in the warmer indoors of the school hall, including beading, weaving, and hand stencilling. Outside, the cold winds were beaten by roasting traditional ‘Johnny Cakes’, as well as the Tea Gardens Lions’ renowned barbecue, serving up the snags and Jimmy’s fish. Local muralist and artist Jeanette Hart volunteered her time to help visitors make their mark upon the new mural, which will soon adorn the western wall of Bennetts Beach amenities block, right next to the NAIDOC 2023 ‘Mullet Run’ mural. Big, tall flames of red and orange contrast sharply with the black background, and the names of those from First Nations communities and supporters are written within the flames themselves, symbolic of how the Aboriginal spirit is strong, as the culture is kept alive by such events and artworks. By Thomas O’KEEFE Aboriginal Reference Group Elders Liz, Fran and Denis welcome everyone to the event. Local artist Jeanette Hart lets people sign the mural. Weaving was among the many traditional activities offered at the school. Hand stencilling has a long, proud history. The Tea Gardens Lions broke out their famous BBQ to feed the masses. Delicious ‘Johnny Cakes’ could be cooked over the coals.
