NAIDOC celebrations: Year in review

Pilbara News
Camera IconChristine Anu sparkles under the stage lights for NAIDOC last year. Credit: Pilbara News

NAIDOC celebrations were huge in 2013, with activities spread across the Pilbara from Karratha to Tom Price.

Shire of Roebourne president Peter Long said for them it had been the first time they'd also advertised in other languages.

"It is important that local community has the opportunity to see their language in print in the newspapers and on posters," he said.

Mr Long said there had been many musical highlights, including a performance by Coloured Stone who rocked Roebourne and had the community up and dancing the night away.

"The musical surprise of the festival would have to be Stiff Gins who wowed the crowd with their haunting harmonies in Point Samson," he said.

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"The Torres Strait Island dancers were hypnotic and generated a strong emotional response from everyone who saw them."

He also recalled the work done by Kaninda Designs who created a catwalk frenzy in Wickham, which showcased local designs on local girls.

Mr Long said the biggest coup for the festival were the appointments of Weerianna Street Media to deliver NAIDOC events in Roebourne, Wickham and Point Samson, and Wrapped Creations to deliver in Karratha and Dampier.

"Seeing local people deliver local indigenous events with such pride was amazing," he said.

"We look forward to seeing what they will develop again for 2014."

Mr Long said a range of local and interstate artists were being looked at for 2014 celebrations, but all artists still needed to go through the community consultation phases in each town which would be delivered by each of the NAIDOC contractors.

"Rumours are brewing already around Troy Cassar-Daley and a band that had been reported to have broken up who might make a special appearance," he said.

"We can expect to see more art exhibitions, cultural awareness sessions and a lot of local performing talent, as well as the headline artists for Roebourne and Karratha."

In a survey conducted at events in the Shire of Roebourne, residents were asked which artists they'd like to see for NAIDOC celebrations in 2014.

One of the biggest requests was for Michael Jackson.

Mr Long said while inquiries had been made, they would, sadly, not be able to bring Michael Jackson for those who had requested him in the surveys.

"That said, you can't rule anything out," he said.

"We are aware of an indigenous comedian who does a hilarious Michael Jackson bit complete with deadly dance moves and one glittery glove … we will be looking into his availability."

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