Elders share Dreaming stories from first Worimi to walk Port Stephens in video series to launch during NAIDOC Week

The first of seven Dreaming videos, in which Worimi elder Uncle Graeme Russell shares the tale of how the sand dunes in the conservation lands came to be, is available to watch through Port Stephens Council's YouTube page with the remaining six to be released online during NAIDOC Week, July 4 to 11.

"We still want to celebrate NAIDOC Week even if we can't do it in person," a Port Stephens Council spokesperson said.

"We'll be launching a series of videos throughout the week on our Facebook, Instagram and website which explore local Dreaming stories.

"We hope these videos give us all the opportunity to reflect on the 2021 NAIDOC Week theme of Heal Country and celebrate virtually."

The Dreaming videos were developed by Port Stephens Council in partnership with Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council.

The project was funded by the NSW Government as part of the installation of wayfinding and interpretive signage on the Birubi headland.

The video component of the project was put on hold in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak to "protect everyone's health and safety".

"But we're excited to be able to launch these videos now to celebrate 2021 NAIDOC Week," the council spokesperson said.

Dreaming stories of the Dhunggaarr and Gangalba - the pelican and the black cormorant - are also shared in the videos which star a number of prominent Indigenous community members such as Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council chair and Worimi Elder Michelle Perry, Aboriginal health workers and Kamilaroi women Lilli Holmes and Leonie Garvey and Worimi Elder Uncle John Ridgeway OAM.

Crowds were set to be welcomed back to the Port's NAIDOC Week celebrations before Sydney was sent into lockdown and restrictions were reintroduced in NSW at the end of June.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, Port Stephens Council announced that it had postponed its flag raising ceremony - which traditionally kicks off the area's NAIDOC Week - that was due to be held on Monday, July 5.

Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council also announced that it would postpone its family fun day, which was due to be held in Nelson Bay on Wednesday, July 7.

The council spokesperson said the events would be rescheduled for a future date.

The Port's remaining NAIDOC Week events will be held on Thursday, July 8 and include a story time and craft session for children at Tomaree Library, an arts workshop and mural creation at the Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council community hall and a documentary screening and question and answer session at Raymond Terrace Library.

Thursday, July 8: NAIDOC Week Storytime and Craft at Tomaree Library and Community Centre

Join library staff for a special story time from 10.30am-11.15am and then leave your teddy or special toy with us for a sleep-over. Pick up on Wednesday 30 June anytime after 10.30am. Suitable for ages 3-8. Tickets are free but bookings are essential. Phone 4988 0670 to book.

Thursday, July 8: Art at Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council community hall

Arts workshop and creation of a mural from 10am to 2pm at Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council's community hall (16 Mustons Road, Karuah).

Thursday, July 8: Michael's Lore: Grave Injustice documentary screening at Raymond Terrace Library

Join Gumbangerri sisters Zona Kelly and Diane Ball OAM for the screening of the documentary Grave Injustice. Follow the Kelly family on their five year struggle to find their infant 'lost' brother Michael. This is their journey to have him exhumed and reburied on country. There will be a Q&A with the family after the screening. Light refreshments will be served at 5.0pm for a 6pm start. Tickets are free but bookings are essential. Phone 4988 0111 to book.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: