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BARB BOWS OUT AFTER 50 YEARS, PAGE 6
11 - 24 JULY, 2025
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Hundreds gathered together at the break of dawn on July 7 to stand with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners in collaboration with Barwon Coast for a show of respect and reflection to mark the start of NAIDOC Week. This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates 50 years of NAIDOC Week and highlights the strength of young First Nations leaders shaping a bright future. An estimated 450-strong crowd gathered on the beach at the Barwon Heads end of Bukareeyoo (formerly 20W), Ocean Grove. “As the sun rose, we were honoured to experience a powerful Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, accompanied by the moving sound of didgeridoo - moment
of connection, reflection and shared respect,” Barwon Coast said. “Thank you to Wadawurrung Elders and Traditional Owners, First Nations Elders and community, and everyone who showed up - families, visitors and locals alike - to celebrate Culture, Country and the strength of the next generation. “We are proud to stand alongside Wadawurrung Traditional Owners in truth, respect and shared care of this beautiful coastline.” The morning included a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and didgeridoo performance, offering a meaningful opportunity for people of all ages to connect with Wadawurrung Culture and Country.
Gareth Smith (Barwon Coast), Alison Marchant MP, Sarah Eccles (WTOAC), Aunty Mary and Sandra Gatehouse. (Barwon Coast)
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Standing in solidarity
Library fun for the holidays Libraries are terrific places to spend some of the school holidays. Your local library has tons of fun things to do from learning about food, reading with a story dog, sensory play, storytelling with art, blue bot challenges and much more. It not only gets the kids out of the house, it’s warm and fun. Pictured are Christina Metcalfe with her sons Arthur and Ted at work on their craft project at Ocean Grove
Library this week. Geelong Regional Libraries operates libraries from many venues across Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast so there is never one that’s too far away. Libraries on the Bellarine are at Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Queenscliff and Leopold. Go to events.grlc.vic.gov.au to check out what you and your kids can do at your local library these school holidays.
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