ACCLAIMED Indigenous artists Stiff Gins and Gambirra Mob will headline the Westlakes NAIDOC Family Fun Day entertainment on the Toronto foreshore next Tuesday, July 10.
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Stiff Gins’ members Kaleena Briggs and Nardi Simpson are known for their stunning harmonies, and a wicked sense of humor.
They’ve won awards, and performed all over the world.
They’re about to release their third album, and tracks from the new record are sure to get a run on the foreshore stage.
Gambirra Mob are a nine-piece band described as “enchanting, uplifting and powerful”.
They deliver a fusion of psychedelic roots - a collection of funky fuelled reggae dub - with social messages and tribal connections that have earned comparisons with the band Yothu Yindi.
And they’re gearing up to perform at Splendour in the Grass, in Byron Bay, from July 20.
The Westlakes NAIDOC Family Fun Day will start with the annual march from the Toronto Town Square to the foreshore at 10am. It will be led by Mounted Police and the Lake Macquarie High School Didge Boys.
Local musician Sharnee Fenwick will also sing.
And speaking of locals, performances by Lake Macquarie children are always a highlight of the day. Tuesday’s event will showcase the singing and dancing talents of Nikinpa Preschool, Biraban Public School, and Toronto High School.
“This is a favourite with the community elders because they are proud that children are learning and connecting to their culture,” a spokesperson for the event said.
“If there isn’t enough happening for you on stage, you can wander around the many displays and stalls.
“The police boats will be at the wharf for the kids to inspect. There will also be didge-making demonstrations, traditional weaving, beading, face painting and a free barbecue.”
NAIDOC Week is a national celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people held in July each year.
The theme for this year’s national NAIDOC celebrations is ‘Because of her, we can!’ In Toronto, that will mean recognising the local Indigenous women who have helped shape their community.
They include Anita Barker, who last year won the Uncle Bob Sampson Award for her community work with Na Ya Boo Larng and the justice system; Aunty Zelma Moran who won Community Member of the Year for her work with the Westlakes Elders and other community organisations over many years; and Cara Simon who won the Uncle Jim Ridgeway-Biyang Award for her artwork and her role as a teacher and role model.
