The National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week is being observed from the 2nd to 9th July.

NAIDOC week celebrates the survival of Indigenous culture and the Indigenous contribution to modern Australia and at tonight’s council meeting I had the opportunity to present the following Acknowledgement of Country which is used to recognise and respect the traditional owners of our land:

In the spirit of Reconciliation, we acknowledge that we are meeting on land for which the Wurundjeri people have been custodians for many centuries, and on land which the Indigenous Australians have performed age old ceremonies.

We, Maroondah City Council, accept, respect and have shared with the Wurundjeri people in their customs of welcome. The Wurundjeri people support the coming together of all people, respecting their individuality to focus on a unified and cohesive nation.

For more information on NAIDOC including possible ways to celebrate the week please visit www.naidoc.org.au.