July Weaving Workshop
NAIDOC Family Edition

To mark both NAIDOC and the School Holidays we are inviting families to join us for an intergenerational weaving session. Both kids and adults are welcome to weave side-by-side, yarn and skill-share together with master weaver, Donna Blackall (Yorta Yorta).

• All materials supplied.
• Light catering provided.
• Free but bookings required.
• This is a workshop designed for both kids and adults, beginners and more advanced weavers.
• Adults attending with kids should supervise and assist their children.

NAIDOC 2025

NAIDOC Week is an Australian observance lasting from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday. The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC Week has its roots in the 1938 Day of Mourning, becoming a week-long event in 1975.

In 2025, NAIDOC Week marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honoring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. The 2025 theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors.

DONNA BLACKALL

I was born in Mt. Gambier SA, but raised in Ballarat.  I have lived in Ballarat most of my life.  My Mother brought me up with cultural knowledge, although it became more important to me once my Mother passed away.  I have been involved in cultural tourism and art for many years.

My weaving work has been featured in Melbourne Town Hall, National Gallery of Victoria, Koorie Heritage Trust and Deakin University collections. I have also done many collaborative works with other First Nation artists.

I worked with the Pepperminarti NT community and learnt different techniques of weaving.

Weaving keeps me connected to my culture and spirituality.  It’s healing and important to keep our stories strong and pass on our libraries of knowledge.