NAIDOC Week - 2 to 9 July 2023
National NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme is ‘For our Elders’, in recognition of the important and prominent role that Elders have played, and continue to play, in communities and families across every generation.
We invite you to celebrate NAIDOC Week and grow your understanding of First Nations cultures and histories through a range of free activities held in the City of Wanneroo.
What’s on in the City
Flag Raising Ceremony
When: Friday 30 June // 10am to 11am
Where: Civic Centre Amphitheatre, City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, Dundebar Road, Wanneroo
Join us as we commemorate NAIDOC Week with an official ceremony raising the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags. The event will be led by Derek Nannup and will also include a Welcome to Country, speech by City of Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken, and a memorable cultural performance. Light refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the event.
All are welcome, but please reserve your place.
'For our Elders' Exhibition
When: Friday 30 June to Friday 5 August 2023 // Mondays to Saturdays 10am to 4pm
Where: Wanneroo Library and Cultural Centre Conference Room, Rocca Way, Wanneroo
Discover the remarkable work of the Kookaburra Club, a group of proud Aboriginal women who have come together to support each other, and the health and wellbeing of other Noongar women, for more than 30 years. The exhibition includes six textile artworks representing the Noongar Six Seasons and four textile artworks representing their stories. Exhibition is courtesy of the Berndt Museum of Anthropology at UWA.
While visiting, drop in to explore a range of Aboriginal artefacts and artwork on display in the Great Court.
Free, no booking required.
Learn, Create and Celebrate - all ages
When: Saturday 1 to Saturday 15 July // Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday 12pm to 4pm, Sunday and public holiday closed
Where: Wanneroo Regional Museum, City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, Dundebar Road, Wanneroo
Learn, create and have fun at the Wanneroo Regional Museum these school holidays as we celebrate NAIDOC Week. Engage in imaginative play with a campfire gathering, create collages, learn Noongar words or let your pens and pencils dance across beautiful colouring pages that celebrate Aboriginal art and culture.
Virtual Art Exhibition
When: Monday 3 to Saturday 8 July 2023 // Regular opening hours
Where: City of Wanneroo Libraries (Clarkson, Girrawheen, Wanneroo and Yanchep/Two Rocks) and the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, Dundebar Road, Wanneroo
Pop in to one of the City libraries or the foyer of the Civic Centre to view a virtual exhibition of 19 artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Drawn from the City’s art collection and shown on TV screens, the exhibition features an etching by Queenie McKenzie, and paintings by Shane Pickett, Jimmy Pike and Esandra Colbung.
Free, no booking required.
Create a Set of Story Stones (ages 8 and over)
When: Yanchep/Two Rocks Library - Monday 3 July, Clarkson Library - Thursday 6 July // 10:30am to 11:30am
Explore the process of storytelling using Aboriginal symbols and then decorate a set of stones and create your own yarn. Each child will create and take home a set of story stones they have designed.
Free, booking required.
Culture in the Creche
When: Monday 3 to Sunday 9 July // Normal opening hours
Where: Wanneroo Aquamotion crèche, 19 Civic Drive, Wanneroo
If you’re visiting for a workout or swim, drop your child off with the wonderful team at the creche who will keep your child entertained with craft activities and story books about our First Nations cultures and histories.
Fees apply, booking required. Check the Wanneroo Aquamotion website for further information.
Papercraft Birds (ages 7 and over)
Create a Feather Wetj (Emu)
When: Wednesday 5 July // 10:30am to 11:30am
Where: Girrawheen Library
Create a Flying Djakal-Ngakal (Galah)
When: Tuesday 11 July // 10:30am to 11:30am
Where: Girrawheen Library
Birds are prominent in Aboriginal culture and deeply respected. Join a session to make your own wetj (emu) or flying djakal-ngakal (galah) using papercraft layering methods and different textures. Make one for yourself and another for the Rainbow Branches art installation in the library, where visitors, friends and family can view your creation.
Free, booking required.
Get Yarning with Derek Nannup (ages 3 and over) - CANCELLED
When: Friday 7 July 2023 // Regular opening hours
Where: Wanneroo Library, Wanneroo Library and Cultural Centre, Rocca Way, Wanneroo
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been cancelled and been replaced with Dreamtime Storytelling (information below).
Dreamtime Storytelling (all ages)
When: Friday 7 July 2023 // 6pm to 7pm
Where: Wanneroo Library, Wanneroo Library and Cultural Centre, Rocca Way, Wanneroo
Be amazed as you listen to Teresa Moore and visualize different stories come to life. These stories will connect us to the Aboriginal people, the land, and ancestral spirits, teaching morals and creating a sense of community.
Free event. Book now.
Aboriginal Art with Lois (ages 6 and over)
When: Wanneroo Library - Monday 10 July, Clarkson Library - Tuesday 11 July, Girrawheen Library - Thursday 13 July // 10:30am to 12pm
Join Aboriginal Elder Lois May and her daughter, artist Shari May, on an inspiring art journey where you’ll learn how to make your own story on canvas. Listen to the story of Aboriginal art from long ago and the use of symbols to tell yarns, then have fun creating your own art piece using paint pens.
Free, booking required.
- Book for Aboriginal Art at Wanneroo Library
- Book for Aboriginal Art at Clarkson Library
- Book for Aboriginal Art at Girrawheen Library
Outer North NAIDOC Mookaroo Festival 2023
When: Friday 7 July // 10am to 2pm
Where: The Point, True North Church, Merriwa
Come along to this free community event hosted by Outer North NAIDOC celebrating NAIDOC Week. The event will open with a Welcome to Country, followed by a variety of fun activities including dance and musical performances, Indigenous stall holders, children’s craft activities and a free sausage sizzle. This event is supported by the City of Wanneroo.
Free, no booking required.
Visit Outer North Naidoc Celebrations for the latest information.
Kingsway Football Club NAIDOC round
When: Friday 14 July // commences 5:30pm
Where: Kingsway Oval
When: Sunday 16 July // commences 8:30am
Where: Location to be confirmed
Enjoy some footy action and cultural celebrations for the NAIDOC round of Kingsway Football Club! Celebrations will kick off on Friday evening with a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and other children’s activities, followed by more ceremonial activities on Sunday morning in between games.
Free, no booking required.
Visit Kingsway Football and Sporting Club for the latest information.
This event is supported by the City of Wanneroo.