National living treasure Ernie Dingo is coming to the City of Joondalup for one-night only.
The Australian TV larrikin will share stories of his life and answer audience questions at St Stephen’s School Theatre on Saturday 6 July 2024.
Renowned for his laid-back style and honesty, Dingo has been a fixture of Australian TV since the ‘80s, with roles in Crocodile Dundee 2, Bran Nu Dae and Heartland, plus 16 years hosting The Great Outdoors.
A Yarn with Ernie Dingo is just one of the many highlights of the City’s 2024 NAIDOC Celebrations program.
NAIDOC Week is held across Australia each July to honour the history, culture, language, and many achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The City’s expanded program, running from Monday 1 July – Wednesday 17 July 2024, features more than 20 free and ticketed events, activities and workshops.
Anyone who has ever wanted to learn the Noongar language can take part in a series of language classes, suitable for beginners and held in a gentle-paced, engaging and inclusive environment, led by Tamara Tucker. Tickets are $5 per class.
Movie fans can celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal filmmakers, actors and storytellers, with five free screenings of award-winning movies at Hoyts Joondalup (various times).
Djoorabiny Moort (Happy Family) is one for families. Participants can learn about Noongar kinship and symbology and use these ideas to paint their family portrait and tell their own story.
School children are not forgotten with two interactive cultural immersion sessions at Joondalup Library – Yaagan Bidi (Freshwater Turtle Tracks) and Moorditj Koolangkas (Awesome Children).
The Deadly Damper-Making workshop is suitable for 12-17 year olds, while nature lovers won’t want to miss the tree planting day at Lake Goollelal.
Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said this year’s NAIDOC program offered something for everyone.
“While there is plenty of star power, headlined by the iconic Ernie Dingo, what I particularly like is the number of events targeted at children and families. It’s been noticeable in recent years the growing appetite of young people to expand their knowledge of Noongar history and culture,” he said.
“The area surrounding Lake Joondalup was, and continues to be, a very important place for Whadjuk people and NAIDOC Week is a time we can all reflect and recognise the contributions that Aboriginal people have made, and continue to make, to our region, our country and our community every day.”