GRV embraces NAIDOC week on, and off, the track

[Wandering Eyes]

NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Not just in the Indigenous Australian communities but also in increasing numbers of government agencies, schools, local councils and workplaces. It began as a Day of Mourning in 1938, becoming a week-long event in 1975.

GRV is embracing the spirit of NAIDOC week, and GRV Chair Peita Duncan this week sat down with Sharna Brown – Gunitjmara Woman and Aboriginal Cultural Consultant for GRV, to discuss the importance of the week.

“Culture is so important,” Sharna explained. “It’s about our identity. Sharing our culture of the rich history of Australia and the true history of Australia is really important.”

“NAIDOC week is a time we can actually celebrate our culture, and we do it so any ways, through ceremony, family coming together, dancing, rhythms, story-telling and songs.”

Part of GRV’s recognition of NAIDOC will the coming together of three clubs – Sale, Warragul and Traralgon – to host a NAIDOC Cup and Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremonies this week.

Peita Duncan said this will “further build and strengthen our relationships with Aboriginal communities across Victoria.”

Peita added “This is really important because we race on traditional owners’ land across the whole state of Victoria. Obviously, there are different mobs that are the custodians of that land, and with the focus on reconciliation and treaty, we’re privileged to be able to race on that land.”

“GRV has started to acknowledge that privilege at race meetings, in order to re-connect with the mobs in those places, and to help educate our industry. As far as I’m aware we’re the first racing code in Australia to ever have taken this journey.”

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