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Local Artist Celebrates Indigenous HeritageWonthaggi Indigenous artist, Patrice Mahoney, will be displaying her work at an Indigenous Art Exhibition to be held at the Coalfields Art Gallery, between July 15 and August 19. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 2nd July 2007 - Back to News The exhibition is part of the free NAIDOC Week Celebrations to be held in Wonthaggi from July 15 to 20.
Ms Mahoney said the exhibition will also feature work by local non-Indigenous artists.
"These artists have been invited to interpret traditional Dreamtime stories through art," said Ms Mahoney.
"Everyone is welcome to attend the exhibition, which opens at Coalfields Gallery at 2pm on Sunday July 15."
NAIDOC originally stood for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has become the name of the week itself. NAIDOC week is celebrated annually in July.
"It is a chance for all Australians to come together as one people to learn about and celebrate indigenous culture, heritage and achievements," said Ms Mahoney.
"And it’s a chance to enjoy celebrations and activities together."
The theme of NAIDOC Week 2007 is ‘Looking Forward, Looking Blak’.
Patrice Mahoney believes the week is about acceptance and celebration.
"To me this is accepting and celebrating your Indigenous heritage and culture and being proud to be a blackfella," explains Ms Mahoney.
"This is really important so that we can work towards building a positive future for our community."
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community Development Officer, Nadine Cranenburgh said there would be activities for all ages to celebrate NAIDOC week in July.
"There will be all sorts of great activities at Coalfields Art Gallery between July 18 and 20," confirmed Ms Cranenburgh.
"Pre-booked school and community group activities will be held on Wednesday July 18 and Thursday July 19.
"And on Friday July 20, there will be a Family Fun Day featuring activities, a free Bush Tucker BBQ and Indigenous history and folklore for all ages," continued Ms Cranenburgh.
"Bass Coast/South Gippsland Reconciliation Group and Bass Coast Shire Council invite everyone to come along and enjoy the activities."
For more information on NAIDOC Week events, please contact Nadine Cranenburgh at Bass Coast Shire Council on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) for the cost of a local call.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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