Next week is ‘National Aborigines and Islander Day Observance Committee’ Week (NAIDOC Week) and the University’s Office of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement (OISE) invites the Flinders community to celebrate with a rock painting activity, live music and cupcake giveaways in the Hub, on Tuesday 10 November.

All staff and students are welcome to participate in the OISE activity. Three sessions have been scheduled for 12noon to 12:20; 12:20 to 12:40 and 12:40 to 1:00pm, or as seats become available. With numbers restricted to keep within COVID-19 guidelines, the event will run as ‘first in best painted’ – however if the weather is fine painting activities will extend into the Plaza.

Participants can choose from a small rock fridge magnet or a paperweight to paint with their own Indigenous-inspired design.

There will be plenty of ideas on hand with information about various Aboriginal symbols, or for those keen on preparing in advance look to the tiles outside Yunggorendi Mande – which are featured throughout the University’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.

Nukunu musician and songwriter Tilly Tjala Thomas will perform at the event. With her distinctive folk, country and indie-pop influenced style, Tilly started busking at the Willunga Farmers Market in 2014 and has since been invited to perform at numerous events, including the Adelaide Fringe Festival Garden of Unearthly Delights and the Stone Pony folk sessions. Her melodic songs provide insight into human emotion and alert audiences of pressing world issues.

NAIDOC Week was postponed from its usual July celebration this year due to COVID-19 restrictions and uncertainty. It will take place in 2020 from 8 to 15 November.

Event details

Where: Ground floor, the Hub at Bedford Park

When: 12noon to 1:00pm, Tuesday 10 November

No registration required