Sacred ground claimed in song and dance at Sunbury

Photo: Luke Hemer

Indigenous music and dance were central to a colourful display of Aboriginal culture held at Sunbury as part of NAIDOC Week (July 3-9).

Face-painting, a welcome to country and a smoking ceremony were also part of Western Health’s event at Sunbury Day Hospital last Wednesday.

Indigenous and non-indigenous residents, including many children, joined in the celebrations of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme: ‘We all stand on sacred ground’.

Events in the Macedon Ranges included Ganagan, a Kyneton town hall exhibition of art showing waterways through Koori eyes.

 

NEWS BRIEFS

Public to advise on learning centre

Sunbury groups and individuals are being asked to help shape plans for the town’s new global learning centre in Macedon Street. Hume council is seeking expressions of interest for an advisory group to guide the centre’s development. Mayor Helen Patsikatheodorou says she hopes the group will include 12 people from many walks of life. It will meet every three months, with the new centre due to open in 2019. Details: 9205 2879 or www.hume.vic.gov.au/yoursay.

Gisborne fireman mourned

Tributes have flowed for Gisborne Fire Brigade life member Anton Neal, who died in his sleep on July 5. A social media post from the brigade said the popular firefighting veteran had been surrounded by friends and family.

Two injured in head-on

Two people, one with life-threatening injuries, were taken to hospital after a head-on collision at Sunbury on July 4. Police said a black Holden utility travelling east along Dalrymple Road and a blue Mazda station wagon travelling west collided about 5pm on Monday. The driver of the Mazda, a Sunbury woman believed to be in her 20s, was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The Honda’s driver, a Diggers Rest man, 31, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.