Despite the inclement weather, a flag raising ceremony to launch the annual NAIDOC celebrations in Campbelltown drew big crowds once again.
Organised by Campbelltown Council, the Monday morning event also featured speeches by local Aboriginal elders and Mayor Gorge Greiss.
VIPs included councillors and local MPs such as Greg Warren. As well as welcome to country and smoking ceremony, cultural activities such as traditional Indigenous dancing performances entertained those in attendance.
The flag raising ceremony is one of several ANIDOC Week events in Campbelltown and across NSW all of this week.
“NAIDOC Week is a special time that celebrates and recognises the proud history, culture and achievements of our First Nations people who represent the oldest continuous cultures on earth,’’ says NSW minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris.
“The diversity of the initiatives we are supporting showcases the strength and resilience of Aboriginal cultures throughout NSW.
“With events taking place across the state, there are opportunities for each of us to learn about and connect with the richness and vibrancy of Aboriginal cultures and proudly celebrate those cultures together.”
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A new film project by 2022 Archibald prize winner, Blak Douglas, and Campbelltown TAFE NSW teacher, Cristina Dio, will have its world premiere screening during 2024 NAIDOC Week.
Blak Douglas vs The Commonwealth is a documentary about Blak Douglas, pictured, who explores his family history, leading him to discover his grandmother was removed from her family as a child, and stripped of her name, language, family, and culture.
“Blak Douglas vs The Commonwealth is a deeply personal story that is reflective of the history of this country,” says documentary director and TAFE NSW Campbelltown screen and media teacher, Cristina Dio.
“We felt privileged that we [cinematographer Rowan du Boisee] had the opportunity to work with, and had the trust of, Blak Douglas, to enter this collaboration.”
“Working on projects like this documentary allows me to hone my own skills and impart the latest trends and emerging influences on to my students so they have the skills they need to work in the industry.”
Blak Douglas, who attended TAFE NSW prior to completing a university degree, says his training in industrial drafting contributed to his artistic style.
“I think the experience subconsciously contributed to my art practise,” said Blak, whose painting style is generally influenced by politics and social justice.
“I just love the detailed intricacies of drafting. I think this attention to detail is pretty evident in my artwork.”
