Thousands turn out to celebrate Naidoc Family Day in Bassendean

THOUSANDS of Bassendean residents flocked to Ashfield Reserve for the 2016 Naidoc Family Day last Thursday.

This year’s Naidoc theme was Songlines: the living narrative of our nation.

Attendees enjoyed performances from The Merindas, the Madjitl Moorna Choir, Funkadelic and Zero MC, and other entertainment and cultural activities.

There was also a Dandjoo Koorliny Reconciliation Walk and flag raising ceremony at the Town of Bassendean administration centre where participants walked from the centre to Ashfield Reserve.

A Derbarl Yerrigan healthy lifestyle zone, a sport and youth zone and various job opportunity stands were on site.

Bassendean Mayor John Gangell said Naidoc Family Fun Day was an important event on the calendar.

“Naidoc celebrations are held around Australia in July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” he said.

“For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the Dreamtime describes a time when the earth, people and animals were created by their ancestral spiritual beings.

“Dreaming tracks are sometimes called ‘Songlines’ and highlight the importance of the existence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”