Local indigenous events rescheduled, following COVID-19 restrictions
Kingston residents have a number of indigenous events to look forward to this spring, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing a slate of recent events to be postponed.
According to Kingston Mayor Steve Staikos, the Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place (DWGP) was able to run a highly successful NAIDOC Week Dinner Dance event but had put a number of other planned NAIDOC Week events on hold, as a result of July's increase of COVID-19 infections. "And the most recent set of health orders has resulted in further postponements," said Cr Staikos.
"Council understands the importance of community celebrations and is committed to support the Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place in helping to get the word out for any events that are able to go ahead in a COVID-safe environment."
The Spring Blak Market, which will feature market stalls run by an eclectic group of indigenous artists, has been rescheduled to Saturday 30 October 10am-3pm. The inaugural market event will feature jewellery, arts and crafts, kids' activities, a barbeque and an arts show.
The Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place are moving forward on plans to host a Family Footy Day from 10am-3pm on Thursday 23 September.
According to DWGP Development Officer, Selina Dronryp, the Family Footy Day event will be celebrating Marngrook, the traditional game that inspired Aussie Rules. "Join us for a Traditional Owners' Ceremony with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, face-painting, boomerang decoration, reptile encounters and lots of footy-fun," said Ms Dronryp.
In partnership with Dandenong & District Aborigines Co-Operative Limited (DDACL), Connect Health and Central Bayside a COVID Vaccine Clinic for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be held onsite at the Gathering Place on Thursday 8 September, 9.30am to 4.30pm, with Pfizer and AstraZeneca both available.
"We understand that COVID-19 restrictions are continuously evolving to meet the safety needs of the community and event organisers need to approach their planning with a flexible mindset. Details may change, so please keep an eye on our facebook page for updates," said Ms Dronryp.
In addition to these public events, the DWGP will be hosting three online COVID talk events at 10am on Wednesday 1 September, 1pm on Thursday 2 September and 7pm on Tuesday 7 September. And an online Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid event will be held on Monday 20 September, 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Community members can keep an eye on the DWGP facebook event page for updates and booking details, at facebook.com/derrimutweelamgatheringplace
