WynActive celebrated the start of NAIDOC Week with a special ceremony at Eagle Stadium on Monday, July 8.
The event at Werribee’s Eagle Stadium commenced with a welcome to country to recognise the traditional custodians of the land.
A traditional smoking ceremony was then conducted to purify and cleanse the surroundings, before the highlight of the event, the unveiling of an artwork commissioned especially by WynActive for NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week.
Wadawurrung artist John Lambley presented his piece, Past and Present Dreaming, and together with children Giselle and Jy, explained its intricate details
Designed as a tribute to Wyndham Indigenous heritage, Lambley’s piece blends both traditional and contemporary elements, with Wyn Active’s three centres, AquaPulse, Eagle Stadium, and Werribee Outdoor Pool, woven into the piece alongside local landmarks such as the Werribee River, Bungie’s Hole and the You Yangs. Wedged- ailed eagles, echidnas, crows, magpies and eucalypts are also included to highlight Wadawurrung and Bunurong people have with the land and its unique flora and fauna.
“This artwork and today’s ceremony has been important for us to get a glimpse into indigenous culture and to be welcomed into their traditions and dreaming, which has given all of us a stronger connection and inspired us to want to do more,” said WynActive health and fitness co-ordinator and proud Indigenous person, Joshua Doyle.
WynActive will hold another ceremony to close NAIDOC on Friday July 12 at 10am.
Details: wynactive.com.au/naidoc2024/
Cade Lucas
