Archie Roach to headline University’s NAIDOC celebrations

Acclaimed Australian singer, songwriter and guitarist Archie Roach will headline NAIDOC celebrations at Southern Cross University next week (July 16 to 18).

Archie will perform at the Coffs Harbour campus on Wednesday July 16 (starting at 11.30am), Lismore campus on Thursday July 17 (12.15pm) and the Gold Coast campus (midday) on Friday July 18 as part of the University’s annual NAIDOC Family Days.

Archie Roach’s career has spanned three decades, with his work recognised locally and internationally in mainstream and indigenous circles.

His latest album, “Into The Bloodstream”, released in 2012, came after the singer faced unimaginable challenges, including a stroke, lung cancer and the loss of his partner in life and music, Ruby Hunter.

The SCU NAIDOC Family Days will feature music, bush tucker, face painting, arts and crafts, information stalls and more. The activities start at 10am and continue until 2pm.

While at the Lismore campus on July 17, Archie will also open a Bundjalung art exhibition and works by Digital Art and Design students in the SCU Library at 3pm.

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

“It is a great honour to have Archie Roach perform at all three locations. It will be a great day for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to celebrate NAIDOC,” said SCUIECC president Vivienne Roberts.

NAIDOC celebrations are held around in Australia each July to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.

This year’s theme is ‘Serving Country: Centenary & Beyond’, in honour of all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have fought in defence of country.

For more information about SCU’s NAIDOC Family Days, go to www.scu.edu.au/scuiecc

Photo: Archie Roach.