Geraldton Buccaneers attend NAIDOC Week celebration in Spalding, GRAMS host cake-cutting event in Rangeway

NAIDOC Week wrapped up with an event at Spalding’s Mitchell Street Community Centre, where more than 100 people gathered, including the Geraldton Buccaneers, to yarn and celebrate culture. Bouncing castles and drawing stations kept the children entertained while a large breakfast feast was prepared. Organiser Lenny Papertalk said it was fantastic the Buccaneers took the time to visit the children at the event. “This was pulled together in the last few days, we had a lot of people come through to support us,” she said. More than 150 people attended GRAMS Big Breakfast last Thursday, and returned the following day to take part in the NAIDOC cake-cutting event by respected elders. Elders Barry Dodd and Ralph Dalgety made speeches before they sliced the cake. Guests felt under their chairs for a ticket to receive a prize and enjoy a slice of cake for morning tea. Mr Dalgety said back in time when his people worked hard for wages of sugar and tea they had very little to say, and the NAIDOC topic this year of “get up, stand up, show up” was about finding a voice. “These people then got up and started talking and creating waves among our mob,” he said. “Show up to me means days like this, to celebrate the week of NAIDOC. We show up and be proud of what our people have achieved.” Mr Dodd said NAIDOC celebrations weren’t just about Indigenous people, but also to educate others about the history of their people’s separation and who they were. “Unfortunately, we all know where we come from,” he said. “A new generation is coming and we need to show them NAIDOC and waving the flag to show them there is a future.”