Council committed to Keep the Fire Burning

With NAIDOC Week to be held across the country from 7-14 July 2024, Lockyer Valley Regional Council is preparing a range of ways to acknowledge the history, culture and achievements of our First Nations people.

This year’s theme, chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.

The team at Lockyer Valley Libraries will host a special Dreamtime Art Workshop on Monday 8 July, at the Gatton Library at 9.30am and the Laidley Library at 1pm.

Come along and learn about the Dreamtime and paint a bright and colourful piece on canvas with Stacey from Baru Maranga Culture Collective. Bookings are required, so visit the Libraries’ website to secure your spot. Everyone is welcome and no previous painting experience is required.

Meanwhile, a special NAIDOC Week story time will be held at the Gatton and Laidley Libraries on Tuesday 9 July at 10am.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said the week was an opportunity to pay our respects to and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of our region.

"NAIDOC Week provides a wonderful opportunity for residents to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and for our region to acknowledge the Yuggera and Ugarapul people.

"We're proud to present these free events for our community during NAIDOC Week 2024, and we hope to see you at one of our Libraries to learn about and appreciate our First Nations culture, skills and knowledge, while also having fun.

“You might also see some Council staff sporting Indigenous-inspired clothing throughout the week, while the Gatton Child Care Centre will ensure this important message is instilled in our younger generation, with a raft of activities planned,” Mayor Milligan said.

Youngsters will share picture books about Australia's Indigenous animals and people, participate in a yarning circle and learn about Indigenous music and visual arts, as well as participate in a campfire and body painting.

To find out more about NAIDOC Week and to download free activities visit https://www.naidoc.org.au/.