By Michael Roberts | posted on November 13, 2020
FOR the first time in a long time, Albany’s youth are frocking up for a NAIDOC Ball this weekend in celebration of Australia’s First Nations people.
Putting sustainability front of mind, attendees have been encouraged to wear second-hand clothing that has been donated from across WA.
Albany Youth Development Officer Lesley Yates said she had an amazing response from the community after putting a call out for second-hand dresses, suits and shoes.
“Young people are into sustainability, so pretty early on they’ve been talking about second-hand clothing,” she said.
“It’s also about social equality and inclusion. If everyone is in a second-hand gown, then it doesn’t matter, and everyone has the opportunity to look beautiful and not feel uncomfortable.”
NAIDOC Week celebrations are typically held in July, but this year had to be postponed to November 8-15 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2020 NAIDOC theme, Always Was Always Will Be, recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for the continent for more than 65,000 years.
The Albany NAIDOC Ball will be held on Saturday night at Centennial Stadium, with performances from Kwongkan Middars Menang Youth Dance troop and Noongar band Southern Brothers.
“The Noongar community has been amazing; they’ve really embraced the event and all wanted to be there,” Ms Yates said.
“The NAIDOC Ball was always a favourite of the community, so it’s nice to bring it back.”
While the event is close to selling out, Ms Yates asked anyone desperate for a ticket to contact her on 6820 3130 or at lesley.yates@ albany.wa.gov.au
