How much do you know about Indigenous culture? Like to know more?

This Saturday’s “Celebration of Australia First Nations Culture” is a special one-off event that everyone is invited to attend.

“I think the way that I would describe it, is ‘unique’,” Chairperson Mary Brell (OAM) from the Central West Women’s Forum, organisers of the event, said.

“It’s aimed at everyone in the central west, Indigenous as well as non-Indigenous women who can come on the day and learn.”

Including guest speakers on indigenous issues, a performance by an Aboriginal dance group, and “bush tucker” provided by Aboriginal entrepreneur, Gerald Power, the event is designed to give everyone an insight into issues facing our Indigenous community.

The ultimate aim is to provide education and opportunities for “Closing the Gap” in Indigenous health care and education.

Main speaker is well-known Cowra-based Aboriginal activist, Isabel Coe who will speak on Wiradjuri culture, ancient practices, Dreamtime stories, and their relationship to the natural environment.

She will also discuss her experiences as an Aboriginal woman living in today’s society as well as her upbringing and the challenges she faces, believing that this will resonate with the experiences of many attendees from a diverse range of backgrounds.

The occasion offers the opportunity to see issues from another perspective, Mary added.

“We need to be able to understand Indigenous issues and how they impact on our lives… this is all part of ‘closing the gap’.

“Hopefully, we’re also going to have a group of indigenous dancers,” she said of the Dyiramaalang Dance Group, with Orange Deputy Mayor, Gerald Power providing an authentic taste of Australian First Nations cuisine.

“The event is going to be fully catered by Gerald with his bush tucker,” Mary said excitedly.

Organiser Geraldine Colless, described the Celebration as: “a unique opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of some of the challenges faced by our First Nations People and an event not to be missed.”

Mary added that the experience is in line with the Forum’s aims to improve the lot of all local women.

“We want to make a difference for women in the central west, what we’ve been doing is offering opportunities for women in such areas as the local government elections.

“It’s aimed at all women, we want to support Sudanese, Indian, Indigenous working, stay-home, women in the central west.”

Established in 2019, and with a membership of about 200, the group has been forced to utilise Zoom and other remote technology for most events over the past two years.

Mary added that occassions like the forum, being held at the Quest Apartments in Kite Street, all do their bit in raising issues to do with empowering women in our community.

“Prior to the Council elections, we called for more diversity on Council, and look at how well that went with our new Council!” Mary concluded.