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Indigenous stories in Newcastle’s NAIDOC Week spotlight

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A new film that tells the story of how the local Indigenous language was recorded and preserved in Newcastle 200 years ago will premiere this weekend as part of the city’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Biraban and Threlkeld: Finding the Third Space, created by filmmakers Stories of Our Town with support from a City of Newcastle community grant, showcases missionary Reverend Threlkeld and Indigenous figure Biraban working together to protect the local Aboriginal language.  

The movie will screen at Newcastle Civic Theatre on the first day of NAIDOC Week, Sunday 3 July.

This year’s theme, Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!?, promotes the importance of systemic change.  

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the film screening was among a number of events on offer throughout NAIDOC Week.

“It’s an extremely important time of year and an opportunity for our community to acknowledge that the story of Australia began far before European settlement, while recognising that First Nations peoples have occupied and cared for our land for more than 65,000 years,” she explained.

Biraban and Threlkeld: Finding the Third Space reflects Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!? by telling the story of two men, one Aboriginal and one European, who stood up for the local language through their unique connection.

“I encourage our community to celebrate our Indigenous culture this NAIDOC Week and take advantage of the free events on offer throughout the city.”

Biraban and Threlkeld: Finding the Third Space will appear at the Civic Theatre and will be followed by a Q&A session hosted by councillor Carol Duncan, founder of the Lost Newcastle website.  

A second film, Wash My Soul in the River’s Flow, which celebrates the creative lives of First Nations people and is a cinematic reinvention of the legendary Kura Tungar – Songs from the River concert, will screen at the Civic Theatre on Sunday 9 July.

Both movie screenings are free and bookings can be made online at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, Newcastle Art Gallery and Newcastle Libraries will host interactive Torres Strait Islander storytelling and art workshops for children and families led by local Torres Strait Islander artist Toby Cedar on 2 and 3 July.

The drop-in workshops will be conducted at Newcastle City and Lambton libraries.

For further information, go to www.nag.org.au

Awabakal is marking NAIDOC Week on Friday 15 July with a Family Fun Day, starting with a flag raising in Civic Park at 9am followed by a march to Foreshore Park where family-friendly celebrations featuring performances from dancers, the Quokkas, the Cooee Project and Mitch Tambo will begin at 10am.  

Council has also supported the Cooee Project, a professional creative and cultural mentoring program for local First Nations young people, with sessions held throughout June, culminating in a performance at the Newcastle NAIDOC Family Fun Day.  

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