NAIDOC celebrations across three campuses

Food is often seen as a cultural mediator, a way in which different people from different cultures can meet on common ground.

With this in mind, organisers of the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) celebrations at Southern Cross University’s Coffs Harbour campus will offer a range of bush tucker to participants at today’s event (July 16) from 10am.

“We will be firing up the barbecue and cooking up a bit of crocodile and kangaroo,” Coffs Harbour campus Indigenous student support officer, Troy Robinson, said.

“Aboriginal people lived on the meat of native animals for centuries, but the consumption of kangaroo and crocodile is not widespread in Australia so this is a great opportunity for those who want to try something a bit different to come to the NAIDOC Week activities and give it a go.

“Of course, if you are not feeling adventurous we will have also have chicken, beef sausages and vegetarian options, so everyone is catered for.”

NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.

This year’s theme is ‘We value the vision: Yirrkala Bark Petitions 1963’ which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the presentation of the Yirrkala Bark Petitions to Federal Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Lismore campus will hold its activities on Wednesday (July 17) and kangaroo will also be on the menu. Indigenous musician Blakboi will entertain the crowds, while there will be face painting and a jumping castle as well as information stalls from government and non-government agencies. Activities start from 11am.

And the Gold Coast campus will host some Gold Coast Titans rugby league players on Thursday (July 18) who will be involved with the family fun day. There will also be special performances by musicians Guri Guru, SupaFresh and Blakboi. Activities start from 11am.

Southern Cross University’s Indigenous Events Coordinating Committee (SCUIECC) – a reconciliation-in-action collaboration of Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, students and community members has organised the three days of activities.

Photo: Face painting from 2012 NAIDOC celebrations.