Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News
Latrobe City celebrates Boorai Country Ceremony as part of Latrobe First 1000 Days Program connecting community and culture
Local families had the opportunity to take part in a Welcome to Boorai Country Ceremony this week.
The Boorai Country Ceremony was an important part of the Latrobe First 1000 Days Program, which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with the first 1000 of their child's life, with a focus on connecting to culture. Starting with a smoking ceremony, the official ceremony took place inside the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre theatre, where Gunaikurnai elders officially welcomed the babies and presented families with possum skins and their family tree.
'Welcome Boorai to Country Ceremony' is a special ceremony that acknowledges the important role elders play in welcoming and connecting Boorai's (babies) to the land in which they are born or live
Implementing 'The Journey'
This special ceremony was originally developed by a group of local Aboriginal women, supported by Latrobe City Council and Anglicare Victoria as part of the First 1000 Days Project.
The Latrobe First 1000 Days is focused on implementing 'The Journey'. The Journey is made up of several components: the Welcome Boorai to Country Ceremony; Connecting Elders to Boorai via a series of gatherings held in the lead up to the Welcome Boorai to Country; and completing cultural activities such as burning the family story onto possum skins and completing a Boorai book and family tree.
Promote cultural connections
Mayor of Latrobe City Cr Kellie O'Callaghan said the project played an important part in connecting the new Boorai to their culture. "This project aims to promote strong cultural connections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with children in their first 1000 days. The first 1000 days are from conception to two years of age, laying the best foundation for children's future health and wellbeing."
"The ceremony was also an opportunity for the local community to be together, share stories and support each other in their journey as families," said the Mayor.
Pictures from Latrobe City Council website.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Cann River fire damages three commercial properties and burns popular Squires Cafe to groundCommunity feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024
Appreciation to Bairnsdale volunteers for their support during Gippsland Rotary Centenary House fundraiser extended by Darren Chester
Baw Baw residents will get new purple-lidded glass bins collected separately every four weeks to better recycling process from October 2024
Exhibition by artist Matthew Bagley is captivating journey into ocean conservation at Berninneit Art Gallery
Outward Bound Australia praised by Darren Chester for their effort to revitalise Gippsland outdoor education
Penny Glover from Guthridge Primary School presented with John Printz OAM Award in front of a huge crowd at Sale Memorial Hall
Upgrades to Kalimna Hill trail in Lakes Entrance prioritises safety and accessibility for walker
Baw Baw Shire Council funds 28 community groups total of $105,303 from Community Grants Program
Free Masterclass sessions to promote safe and sustainable community events in Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale over May 2024