Traditions and celebrations: Highlights from Rumbalara NAIDOC Opening Market

By Khadija Hadjab

Jul 8, 2024

Siblings Sania Jones and Bricky B and their mother, Sharon Jones. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Celebrated annually across Australia in the first week of July (Sunday to Sunday), NAIDOC Week represents an opportunity for all Australians to recognise the oldest living culture on Earth, its history and its traditions.

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Rumbalara NAIDOC Opening Market was held on Sunday, July 7. Traditional dances, music, food, a community market and activities for the younger ones were on offer. The News photographer Rechelle Zammit attended the event.

Dakota Rogerson connects with culture. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Shepparton residents come together to celebrate Indigenous culture at the market. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Rumbalara chief executive Felicia Dean makes a speech. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Cousins Macey Hood and Willow Dean enjoy the day. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Madi Colville-Walker brings the market to life with her songs. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Yorta Yorta artist Bricky B highlights the importance of NAIDOC Week. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Vanessa Harbrow and her son Dhadjowa Gordon. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

NAIDOC committee members Waylon Boney and Bec Gladman with Craig Gladman. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Aunty Cheryl Cashion with dancers Vanessa Harbrow (and her son Dhadjowa Gordon), Serena Harbrow, Mia Kelly, Dakota Rogerson and Shanara Ritchie. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Mya Saunders connects with culture through art and craft. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

When did NAIDOC Week start and why?

It all started on January 26, 1938, when prominent First Nations activists, such as Yorta Yorta elder William Cooper, Yorta Yorta man Sir Douglas Nicholls and Yorta Yorta elder Jack Patten, organised a protest.

Protesters dressed in black silently marched in Sydney to mark the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet. Its impact is remembered as the Day of Mourning, marking the cornerstone of a national observance.

Consequently, the day before Australia Day was designated as National Aborigines* Day.

In 1955, this observance was shifted to July to include a celebration of Indigenous achievements and culture in the event.

In 1975, the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee expanded the event to a full week.

The committee became the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee, or NAIDOC, in the 1990s.

Note: The word ‘Aborigine’ is an outdated term, but it is used in this instance for historical accuracy.