Early welcome

Jake, just six weeks old, attended Welcome to Country. 182326_07 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Little ones were Welcomed to Country as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations at Drum Theatre on 2 July.

Children aged up to seven years with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds were invited to the Welcome Baby to Country event.

It was jointly run by Monash Health, Monash University and Greater Dandenong Council.

Each child received a commemorative certificate and gift.

NAIDOC Week officially runs 8-15 July.

A further free NAIDOC Week event for children will be staged at Gloria Pyke Netball Stadium at Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong on 10 July, 11am-3pm.

It is run by Southern Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and the Dandenong and District Aborigines Cooperative.

It features show themes, dodgem cars, a clown trailer, jumping castles, cultural activities and bush tucker.

Details: Southern VACCA, 9701 4200 or DDACL, 9794 5933.