NAIDOC Celebrations will be going ahead in Brisbane this year on Friday July 9, after last year’s event was cancelled due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
This year’s Family Fun Day at Musgrave Park, West End will be organised by the Brisbane Indigenous Media Association (BIMA) in partnership with the Brisbane City Council.
After some uncertainty around whether the event would go ahead due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns and other NAIDOC events already cancelled (namely the 2021 NAIDOC Awards in Mparntwe/ Alice Springs), BIMA decided to put their hand up along with ATSICHS to ensure the long-standing day would continue and follow strict COVID safety regulations.
BIMA (which is also responsible for the popular 98.9fm country radio station) released media statement regarding the event:
“As an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, BIMA has been in operation since the 80s, with strong community standing, reputable track record, strong governance, capability in delivering events, and connection with the community particularly West End, we are best placed to deliver the event for community, given the short time frames.”
CEO of BIMA, Jyi Lawton said in the statement, “we would like to thank Natalie Alberts for her hard work and commitment over the many years of organising this event.”
“We have the full support and backing from the Board, Elders, Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) Brisbane, community at large and key stakeholders including Brisbane Council.”
Mr Lawton, a Bidjara man said with only three weeks’ notice and a limited budget, it will not be the Musgrave Park Family Fun Day Mob are used to.
“We’ve got a small amount of time to put something together for community – COVID threw a spanner in the works as it did with everything last year but it’s too important of an event not to do something.”
“So yeah, we’re going to do a really downscaled version of the day, so there’s going to be no stalls – just getting back to the grassroots you know? But everything you need in a NAIDOC DAY… cultural performers and activities, live musicians, Elders tent, food and coffee from Indigenous businesses, and a bit of touch football for the kids.
Jyi Lawton urged everyone to come down and celebrate on Friday July 9 from 10am – 3pm at Musgrave Park, after the annual NAIDOC March led by Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance Brisbane.
For more information and updates head to The Official Brisbane NAIDOC 2021’ event page on Facebook, Instagram and twitter or visit the 98.9FM social pages.
