GEELONGPORT is DjilangPort for this week, as the port marks NAIDOC Week.
A statement from the port said NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to recognise the Wadawurrung people and to acknowledge the traditional name of the place where we live, work and play – Djilang.
“To celebrate NAIDOC Week, we’re paying homage to Wadawurrung Traditional Owners by acknowledging the traditional name of Geelong, Djilang, and renaming to DjilangPort for the week,” the port said.
The port is also holding two events to mark the week.
On Tuesday, there was an all-staff session where all staff have the opportunity learn to speak GeelongPort’s Acknowledgement of Country in traditional Wadawurrung language.
On Friday, GeelongPort is fortunate enough to be hosting 15 Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Elders for lunch at GeelongPort head office, before a tour of the port facilities.
“There is a new theme for NAIDOC Week each year and this year the theme is For Our Elders,” the port said in its statement.
“Across every generation, Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in First Nations communities and families. GeelongPort is delighted and honoured to be celebrating this theme through the Wadawurrung Elders visit.
“We thank the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation for sharing their culture with us here at GeelongPort, as we continue our path to reconciliation.”
