Sydney’s harbourside precincts launch special NAIDOC Week celebrations

Phoebe Blogg Published July 9, 2024 at 12.00pm (AWST)

sydney

Sydney Harbour Bridge pictured from Barangaroo. (Image: supplied)

Sydney's popular precincts of Barangaroo, The Rocks, and Darling Harbour will celebrate NAIDOC Week with this year's theme of Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud - honouring the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture.

Commencing Sunday 7 July for a week, the three harbourside precincts will host a range of free events to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, strives to celebrate the unyielding spirit of communities, inviting all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.

With each precinct offering different activities, tours and performances to engage in and enjoy, the community is encouraged to bring the whole family along.

In Baranagroo, every evening from July 7-13 the community will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of free NAIDOC Week events set amidst its oasis of waterfront lawns and native Australian plantings at Barangaroo Reserve.

Behind the scenes of Yarn and Storytelling sessions at Barangaroo Reserve. (Image: supplied)

During this time, visitors can join interactive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Workshops hosted by the Buuja Buuja butterfly dance group.

On July 8, 10 and 12, the Reserve will host interactive talks and storytelling sessions with Hello Dingo, offering a chance for visitors to get up close with friendly dingoes.

On July 9, First Nations educators from Speaking In Colour will lead storytime sessions exploring the connection between culture, the sky, the stars, and the constellations, with visitors able to enjoy a special event where Elders and a senior cloak maker will share the stories and traditions of possum skin cloak-making, while showcasing both cloaks and blankets on July 11.

Throughout the week, Barangaroo's Aboriginal Cultural Tours will be led by Aboriginal Australian Elders, guiding visitors through the six-hectare headland of Barangaroo Reserve. The Barangaroo Public Art Tour will also be available, allowing participants to discover works from various First Nations artists such as Shellwall, Remembering, Barangaroo Ngangamaym, Mermer Waiskeder, and more.

Behind the scenes with a Hello Dingo team member. (Image: supplied)

When it comes to The Rocks, a range of free activities for the community to enjoy will also be held.

Until 12 July, and again from 15 July until 19 July, The Rocks Discovery Museum will offer a family-friendly Badge Making Workshop for children aged 5-12.

In this workshop participants will be able to learn about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, their meanings, and the significance of NAIDOC Week.

From Sunday 7 July to Sunday 14 July, The Rocks Discovery Museum will also show the powerful spoken word films of Gamilaroi poet, educator and musician, Luke Patterson.

Behind the scenes at a previous year's NAIDOC Week Badge Making Workshop. (Image: supplied)

The Rocks Markets will also include a talented line-up of First Nations singer-songwriters, including MONTÄE, Sharnee Fenwick, Ronnie, Grace Fuller and more.

"I feel so honoured to be a part of NAIDOC week at The Rocks, celebrating my Wiradjuri heritage and Indigenous culture that shapes our nation," First Nations singer Grace Fuller told Style Up.

"Being able to connect my stories through my original songs is a blessing. This is an opportunity to honour our culture and history."

Talented musician Sharnee Fenwick is also looking forward to performing at the markets, sharing that she is excited to have the opportunity to share her stories and culture with visitors.

"Performing at The Rocks during NAIDOC Week is a deeply meaningful experience," Sharnee Fenwick said.

"The chance to perform at such an iconic location is a privilege I greatly appreciate. Sharing my culture and music during this time is incredibly rewarding.

"NAIDOC Week holds a special place in my heart—it's a week I look forward to every year. Being able to perform for diverse audiences and share my stories and culture is an incredible opportunity that I cherish."

The Rocks Markets will also feature an educational pop-up with IndigiGrow, allowing visitors to learn how to care for and connect with country, native seeds and planting, bush tucker and traditional cultural practices.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is also set to showcase immersive artworks Holy Ground and Reko Rennie Remember Us by Lucy Simpson.

Visitors can also explore the beautiful free public art spaces including Canopy by Jacob Nash and the 10-story high mural portrait of Jenny Munro.

With all locations offering a series of educational and engaging workshops, performances and activities, the public is encouraged to consider what's on in their local area and support this year's NAIDOC Week.

For those who prefer an online experience, these precincts also host a range of free virtual experiences, including guided virtual tours, free language cards, and free access to the Indigenous Australian film Occupation: Native, which provides an insightful look into the history and culture of Aboriginal communities.

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