Community and culture so important

Community and culture so important

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Deanna Kickett enjoys the visit from some farm animals. Photograph — Matt Devlin.
Deanna Kickett enjoys the visit from some farm animals. Photograph — Matt Devlin.

The City of Armadale celebrated national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s day at the champion centre on August 6.

The day was all about helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children stand tall and feel connected and proud in culture.

The theme for this year’s event was little people, big futures.

Armadale mayor Henry Zelones said the day was an opportunity for all Australians to show their support for indigenous children as well as learn about the crucial impact that community, culture and family play in the life of every child.

“We have a strong indigenous community in the City of Armadale and we’re incredibly proud to host this event which provided children the opportunity to explore and learn about indigenous culture,” he said.

“The children were entertained with a range of activities from face painting to a visit from barnyard babes with their baby animals, teaching the children how to care for and feed the animals.

“Everyone enjoyed the traditional Aboriginal dancing, song and craft activities that were provided by local indigenous groups.”

Secretariat of national Aboriginal and Islander childcare chairperson Sharron Williams said the day also highlighted how important early childhood care was for indigenous children.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that no Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child misses out on life-changing services as a consequence of barriers and limitations that we can remove,” she said.