First NAIDOC Week community event planned for the Alpine Shire

5 June 2024

Photos: Lee Couch, event organiser.

Planning is underway for a NAIDOC community event in Myrtleford on Saturday 13 July, 11am-2pm. The event will be the first of its kind for the Alpine Shire and was initiated by Lee Couch, proud Gamilaroi woman now living in Myrtleford.

After moving to the Alpine region and seeing the impact that the lack of local cultural representation had on her family, Lee was prompted to action. She approached Alpine Health for support, which led to a partnership between herself, the health service, Alpine Shire Council and Thamarrurr Youth. These organisations are working together to create an event that will celebrate the strength and vitality of First Nations culture. Koorie students from Myrtleford P-12 were invited to develop some artwork for the event. Ava Brock, Sahara Giles and Chelsea Devlin exceeded expectations by putting together the beautiful piece of art in the image above.

The NAIDOC event will be held in the Myrtleford Piazza, starting with a Welcome to Country. Following this will be a series of musical and dance performances from Maylene Slater Burns, Brett Lee and Wagarra Dance Group. A range of family-friendly cultural activities will also be available, including weaving, face painting, boomerang art and storytelling.

All communities members are encouraged to attend this free event to connect, learn and celebrate First Nations culture.

The event has been made possible through funding support from the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

For further information about the event contact [email protected] or follow the socials of Alpine Health and Alpine Shire Council.

Turi Berg | Partnering with Consumers Officer

Photo Below: Artwork developed by Myrtleford P-12 Koorie students for the event.

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