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Rain no dampener to NAIDOC celebrations

Briana FioreHarvey-Waroona Reporter
Harvey twins Rowan and Coen Ryder, 6, Terrence Webb and Lesley Ugle at the NAIDOC opening ceremony.
Camera IconHarvey twins Rowan and Coen Ryder, 6, Terrence Webb and Lesley Ugle at the NAIDOC opening ceremony. Credit: Picture: Briana Fiore

The Harvey community came together last week to celebrate NAIDOC Week.

Although the rainy weather put a halt to the street parade, the celebrations continued in the Town Hall.

The event was finally able to proceed, after being postponed due to COVID-19 and the original “Always Was, Always Will be” theme remained.

Schools from around the region journeyed to Harvey to take part in the event, which included an Indigenous art exhibition and a performance from theWadumbah Dance Group.

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Dance troupe leader and elder James T. Webb Sen. said the Harvey community and elders had made them feel “very welcome”.

“It’s great to come down, especially during times like NAIDOC Week,” Mr Webb said.

“We share our language and culture through dance, music, role play, theatre and workshops.”

The group has had some notable performances, including dancing in Los Angeles and also performing for the Queen.

One of the members Terrence Webb said the performance was all about “educating and showcasing Indigenous dance, culture and history”.

Harvey elder Lesley Ugle said NAIDOC Week was a time to pay respects to elders who had made sacrifices for the freedoms of future Indigenous Australians.

The week-long celebrations were broadcast live on Harvey Community Radio which was one of the pioneers in starting the event.

Radio presenter Janine Quicke said she was proud to be part of NAIDOC Week and be part of such a diverse radio station.

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