A star-studded virtual concert is to be staged to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture this week following the postponement of 2020’s annual NAIDOC Week.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Gabrielle Williams announced that the variety performance event is to be live streamed this Saturday (11 July), which would have been the penultimate day of the landmark week-long NAIDOC celebration.
In a statement, Ms Williams said the concert will be hosted by comedians Shiralee Hood and Dion Williams and feature artists including Uncle Archie Roach, Troy Cassar-Daley, Allara, Lady Lash and Mau Power.
“NAIDOC Week was scheduled to be held from 5 to 12 July this year, but for the first time in its 64-year history, has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic,” Ms Williams said.
“It is traditionally marked each July to honour and pay tribute to Aboriginal culture, history and achievement, with celebrations held across the country,” she said.
“It is now expected to be scheduled in November.”
Ms Williams said the Vic NAIDOC 2020 Concert: Always Was, Always Will Be will be held at Hamer Hall and while closed to the public, Victorians could live stream all the action from 6.30pm on the Victoria Together website and other social platforms.
“NAIDOC Week may be postponed, but we’re still taking the opportunity to maintain community connections and celebrate Aboriginal culture,” she said.
“The event will be more than just good fun – it’s a chance to highlight the talented performers right across the country and provide a lifeline to the struggling arts industry,” Ms Williams said.
Further information about the event can be found at this PS News link.
