For the fourth year, the group is putting on a film festival for the community featuring two First Nations short films.
Helen Gwilliam of Avenel Active said the event usually attracted a notable turnout.
“It really started as a way, I suppose, of trying to find out more about First Nations cultures,” Ms Gwilliam said.
“We have a community plan and our members said they wanted to be able to find out and learn more, and one way to go about it was to screen some First Nations films each year.
“We usually get, on average, about 50 people — it’s a decent turnout for our community hall.”
This year, attendees can expect to watch Light from the Shadows, which profiles First Nations cartoonist Danny Eastwood, and More than a Fish Kill, a documentary exploring how artists, fisheries managers and First Nations custodians came together in the aftermath of devastating fish kills along the Barka (Darling River) in NSW.
The running time for each film is under 40 minutes, and both are recommended for General Classification, ensuring all ages can attend the festival.
“Each year, we look at reasonably current films ... And our members voted for these two films,” Ms Gwilliam said.
“In particular, our members are interested in that connection between Country, environment and Indigenous stewardship.
“One of the films, More than a Fish Kill, is about the relationship between Indigenous custodians and other community groups to try and care for Country, and Lights from the Shadows is, I suppose, more of an arts culture film.”
The NAIDOC film festival is scheduled to take place at the Avenel Memorial Hall on Friday, July 18.
The evening will begin at 6.30pm with a Welcome To Country from Taungurung Elder Aunty Jo Honeysett.
At 7pm, the films will begin.
Tickets are free, but bookings are essential, and, while light refreshments will be provided, attendees are requested to bring a plate if possible.
The event is being held a week following the official NAIDOC celebrations as a result of clashes with other events around the region.
The event is delivered with the support of Strathbogie Shire Council.
Bookings can be made at https://tinyurl.com/u6sa93yb or by contacting avenelactive@gmail.com
10°C