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NAIDOC week to explore heritage

EEPER Dave Trimh introduces Tayah, Johnah and their Dad Justin Ellis to one of the sweet and furry residents of the new Nocturnal House which is due to open at the Central Gardens in Merrylands during this Friday’s free Fun4Kids Warali Wali celebration.

NAIDOC week will kick off in Cumberland with a free screening of the Australian musical comedy-drama, The Sapphires (PG), at Merrylands Library this Thursday, July 11, at 2pm

Children and families can also enjoy plenty of live entertainment, activities and rides at a special free Fun4Kids Warali Wali (meaning possum in the Darug language) celebration at the Central Gardens in Merrylands on Friday, July 12 from 10am to 2pm.
Featuring the opening of the Nocturnal House, home to native sugar gliders, there will also be tool making and animal skin workshops with ranger and Darug man Chris Tobin, and the premiere of ARIA Award winner Dan Sultan’s kid’s album Nali and Friends.
Also sometimes spelt ‘Dharug’, ‘Daruk’ or ‘Dharik’, Darug is the traditional language of Aboriginal people from Cumberland, and the council will host a free language and culture class with Aunty Stacy-Jane Etal at the Guildford Community Centre on Wednesday, July 17, from 11am to 3pm.
Seniors can also discover the stories and places of Aboriginal significance from Auburn to Prospect with a free guided bus and walking tour leaving from the Auburn Centre for Community on Wednesday, July 24, from 10am to 3pm.
Cumberland Council Aboriginal education officer Joanne Buckskin says the tour will give people an opportunity to learn about the rich legacy of the Darug language and leadership.
“The tour will reveal historical truths about the Rainbow Warrior and why the Crow watches over us today,” she said.
Book for the movie screening by calling 8757 9065, and bookings for both the language class and tour are also essential through eventbrite.com.au.