Corroboree captivates community

By Adair Winder

Oct 2, 2022

Supporting healthcare: Natasha Smart from Ambulance Victoria. Photo by Steve Huntley

First Nations artwork on ambulance: Lindsey Macague, Natasha Smart and Sarah Crowhurst from Ambulance Victoria held a stall the corroboree. Photo by Steve Huntley

Face painting: Elijah Forbes featuring a traditional face painting. Photo by Steve Huntley

Ready for emergency: Firefighters Ian Addicott and Charles Dennis held a stall for the CFA. Photo by Steve Huntley

Reptile encounters: Sebastian Aranda from Kyabram Fauna Park. Photo by Steve Huntley

Sharing culture: Narjiic Day-Burns played the didgeridoo. Photo by Steve Huntley

Welcome to Country: Councillor Rob Amos, Mayor Chrissy Weller, Aunty Hazel Hudson and Uncle Rick Ronnan. Photo by Steve Huntley

Say hello to my little friend: Karen Kam shows off a python at the reptile display. Photo by Steve Huntley

Traditions: Narjiic Day-Burns performed a traditional dance. Photo by Steve Huntley

Performance: Maddy Walker serenaded the attendees of the Yaka Yakapna Corroboree. Photo by Steve Huntley

Smoking ceremony: Uncle Rick Ronnan and Cr Rob Amos. Photo by Steve Huntley

Featuring an array of traditional activities such as boomerang painting, rock painting, weaving, dancing and a Welcome to Country ceremony, the Yaka Yakapna Corroboree was a magnificent way to celebrate First Nations culture.

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Njernda family services project worker Brody Atkinson said the get-together had been eagerly anticipated for the past few years.

“Pre-pandemic we held the Yaka Yakapna Corroboree annually but the COVID-19 outbreak unfortunately put a stop to that,” Mr Atkinson said.

“This day is all about providing a space for Mob to re-connect.”

Orange Door Network employee Jess Smith said there was another purpose behind the event — to bring kids back on Country.

“We wanted to bring all the kids in care and all the kids that have moved away from the area back onto Country,” she said.

“This event took about three months to organise and we worked very closely with Njernda family services throughout that entire process.”

There were a number of stall holders at the event including Njernda, Anglicare, the Orange Door, Campapse Shire Council and Tongala Football Netball Club.

Ms Smith said they wanted to get the message out about the kind of services and programs that were out there for Aboriginal people.

“Not everyone in the community wants to use Njernda and that’s why it’s important to demonstrate all the other resources that are available,” she said.

“We want to show people that we’re here and we’re approachable.”