The Mayor's Column
Mosman joins communities Australia wide in celebrating NAIDOC Week [National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Observance] from 6 – 13 July. This year the theme is ”Advance Australia Fair?”
NAIDOC Week showcases the achievements of Aboriginal people and particularly contemporary Aboriginal Culture, this year posing the question about fair and equitable treatment for indigenous Australians in 2008 and beyond.
Mosman is exceptional in its Aboriginal archaeological heritage. Two of the main clans were the Camaraigal and the Borogegal Clans. There were undoubtedly others in our area, lost to history because their demise was so swift and so final after the arrival of the British settlers over two hundred years ago.
A study of the Aboriginal heritage of the Mosman Local Government area was undertaken in partnership with Mosman Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. The study, published in 2005, was part of a broader government initiative for the Sydney Harbour Dreaming project to provide management strategies to record and protect the Aboriginal sites of the area. There are four volumes, four being confidential and one being available to the public
through Mosman Library or Council’s website
You would be surprised at the number of sites in Mosman. There is an impressive range of remaining rock art both engraved and painted. The children at Beauty Point School treasure an engraving of a fish in their playground. The wider Sydney area has one of the largest rock art galleries in the world with a thousand in the northern Sydney region.
With Mosman’s 24kms of coastline, shell middens abound. One notable midden is acknowledged with a plaque near Balmoral oval.
The reason for secrecy about many site locations is obviously to protect them. Most of the rich cultural heritage has been lost to development and sadly, to vandalism.
Fortunately, the study gave rise to an educational kit, soon to be distributed to our local schools. Students will learn about the different tribes and clans, their languages, lifestyle, bush foods, sacred laws and importantly to value and protect our Aboriginal sites and heritage.
NAIDOC Week in Mosman will be celebrated by:
- An art exhibition from local schools in the Library and local businesses over the next couple of weeks.
- Murri Kulcha in Education: At Mosman Library 2-2.40pm, 7 July. Ages 5-12. Indigenous musician and songwriter Lewis Parter.
- Mosman High School Print Exhibition: Works referencing contemporary Aboriginal prints.: 9 June – 30 July at Mosman Art Gallery.
Another upcoming event not to be missed is Children’s Voices for Reconciliation, when students from our local schools will perform special performances of Aboriginal songs, dance, drama and poetry on the Village Green 25 July, 10am – 12 noon.
Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of Mosman
