Naidoc in the Park

NAIDOC in the Park was a project at the Collingwood flats held on 10th July ’04. It was a multicultural celebration, for and by the people at the Collingwood Housing Estate, particularly the ‘Parkies’ who drink in the park, It involved approximately 500 Indigenous and non-Indigenous people (including members of at least six different cultural groups).

The day-long celebration involved the launch of the local ‘BEEM Artists’ mural in the underground car park at the estate, feasting and dancing at the flats. The project aimed to involve the culturally diverse communities on the estate in coming together to celebrate NAIDOC week. Eight different cultural groups were involved by contributing food from their country, to creating a giant feast in the underground car park.

Image courtesy of  Megan Evans

Prior to the event Eugene and Denise Lovett and Megan Evans interviewed

people from the Estate about how they came to Australia and what they knew about Indigenous culture and people before they arrived. This was edited into a short film which was shown in the car park on the day of the event. There were also short skits about the demise of ATSIC and a performance by some musicians as well as a display of images by the mural team.

After the feast everyone was invited into the park to witness a corroboree around a huge bonfire that was built with the assistance of the Fire Brigade. The corroboree was followed by an evening of music including many well known Aboriginal singer songwriters. The day began at 4pm and the last band played at 11pm.

Images Courtesy of Megan Evans

This event involved many groups of people and many services from the City of Yarra and the Collingwood Housing Estate. The co-ordinating committee brought together Homeground and North Yarra Community Health Centre, City of Yarra, the Office of Housing, Centrelink, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, Jesuit Social Services, Collingwood College and ANTaR members to support the event and assist on the day. NAIDOC in the Park represented a significant increase in the involvement at the estate in NAIDOC week and we hope will be the beginning of many further multicultural celebrations of Aboriginal culture.

The event was also awarded the City of Yarra Major Events Australia Day Award. This award was presented to Eugene and Denise Lovett who have now established ‘Parkies Incorporated’ as the first community organisation that represent the Parkies. This year they conducted the event again with over 1000 people attending a highly successful day.

NAIDOC in the Park DVD now available!

To obtain a copy of the NAIDOC in the Park DVD, contact the ANTaR office by email or on 9419 3613.