MaariMa connecting community through NAIDOC and Reconciliation celebrations
By Kimberly Grabham
Balranald Shire Council recently granted a request for the costs of hire of Theatre Royal to be waived.
MaariMaa, the local Aboriginal Health service recently applied to have the fees waived, for their NAIDOC Week celebrations, and community dinner that was held on July 15.
Total cost of the hire would have been $540, with Administrator Colreavy noting it as a worthy cause to support. Many volunteers were involved in the successful dinner and event, with 89 people in attendance. The hall was decorated with native centerpieces, children out on a dazzling dance performance, and assisted in serving food to the elders and their families.
MaariMaa also celebrated Reconciliation Week recently. The organisation donated a book to local school children, written by a local author. Isaiah Firebrace’s book Come Together, teaches children about Aboriginal culture and history. Designed for children aged five and over, Come Together was inspired by his petition to the Australian Government calling for Aboriginal history to be taught in every classroom.
He connects each topic in the book through his own personal story and culture from the importance of elders to the dreaming.
Pictured are local youth performers at the NAIDOC community dinner held by MaariMa.
Image: supplied.
