survival day - belgrave celebrates indigenous culture

What a great way to spend Australia Day 2008, at the Survival Day celebrations at our very own Cameo Outdoor Cinema in Belgrave.

It was terrific to see so many people in our community come out to celebrate indigenous culture and heritage. There were local musicians, bush food, but particularly special were the guests, Aunty Dot and Nigel Wilkes and his dancers. Both spoke of being aboriginal and what that means in 2008.

There is no doubt that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have a unique relationship with the land and could teach us much about looking after the special environment we all enjoy in Australia.

As a society we need to:

- improve standards of health of indigenous people

- support indigenous young people

- protect cultural heritage

- ensure an indigenous voice is heard on indigenous issues

and

- build better relationships and partnerships between the indigenous and wider community.

Congratulations to the organisers of the event; Natalie, Davey, Jane, Jo, Erin and Anna, you all did a great job bringing this initiative to our community. I look forward to attending many more.

Congratulations to all who attended as well, there was a myriad of events you could have gone to on Australia Day. In the true spirit of reconciliation and cooperation you chose to come to Survival Day in Belgrave on what was a very hot and blustery day - well done!