Taronga acknowledges the unique status of Australia’s First Peoples as the original people of this land.  We recognise their cultures, histories and ongoing relationship and obligations to the land and waterways. The Lane Cove Valley, the Harbour and the Northern Beaches we acknowledge as Gai-mariagal land, matrilineal land.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Taronga recognises that the site on which Taronga has now been built is Cammeraigal land, one of the sub-clans of the Gai-mariagal.

The spirit of the ancestors can be found across this region and we honour their memory.

For at least 65,000 years Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have carried dreaming stories, song lines, languages and knowledge – strengthening and enriching the oldest living culture on the planet.

Taronga acknowledges and celebrates these women.

To celebrate NAIDOC, Taronga has a week of activities planned, beginning on Sunday 8 July. These activities will include lessons in the ancient art of weaving, Dreamtime stories, lemon myrtle tastings and an all-day movie screening in our newly built Centenary Theatre of the film, Cammeraigal Connections.

Taronga is proud to be supporting Aboriginal women, including Lille Madden. Lille is a Bird Keeper at Taronga Zoo and has a strong relationship with each of the birds that she works with. From a young age she has felt a deep connection to the land and a responsibility for its conservation.

Lille says that NAIDOC is an important time for all Australians because it is a time to reflect on our history and achievements.

“Since working at Taronga, I’ve been able to learn more about my culture. I’ve had the chance to learn Dreamtime stories from our Elders so that I can continue educating other people through telling their stories,” said Keeper Lille.

 “This year’s theme is ‘Because of her, we can’. Indigenous women in my life have taught me to be proud of my history and culture. They have taught me to be respectful of all peoples as well as our country, our plants and our animals. Most importantly, they have taught me that I can and that you can,” she said.

— ENDS —

NOTES TO EDITORS:

NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATIONS SCHEDULE

Sunday 8th July

The Ancient Art of Weaving

10.00am - 3.00pm

Using natural fibres and dyes collected from the bush, join Uncle Stephen as he shares his skills and knowledge in the ancient art of weaving.

QBE Free Flight Bird Show

12.00pm & 3.00pm

Join us for a very special NAIDOC Week Bird Show, where Aboriginal students from NSW Public School Aboriginal Dance Company will close the show.

Monday 9th – Friday 13th July

Dreaming Stories

11.00am - 1.00pm

Join us for a special storytime as our Youth Volunteers share some of their favourite Dreaming stories.

Backyard to Bush House Living Room.
Every 10-15 minutes.

Lemon Myrtle Tasting

11.00am - 1.00pm

Taste test the exciting flavour of the Australian native Lemon Myrtle Plant and learn more about its versatile uses!

Backyard to Bush House Front Veranda

Artefact Display

11.00am - 1.00pm

Boomerangs, didgeridoo, nulla nullas, and more! Come learn about these wonderful tools and their uses!

Backyard to Bush House Kitchen

Every Day

QBE Free Flight Bird Show

12.00pm & 3.00pm

A very special NAIDOC show!

Movie: Cammeraigal Connections

All day screenings

For media enquiries, interviews or more information, contact:
Sarah Lievore, slievore@zoo.nsw.gov.au

Key Facts about Taronga Conservation Society Australia:

Taronga Conservation Society Australia (Taronga) is a leader in the fields of conservation, research, animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education. Taronga is a not-for-profit organisation with an absolute commitment to conservation and securing a shared future for wildlife and people.

Taronga’s staff, scientists and researchers are experts in their fields. They work in partnerships with governments, universities and conservation organisations to support dozens of science, research and conservation projects and programs across Australia and around the world.

Taronga participates in regional and global conservation breeding programs to establish insurance populations for species threatened in the wild, from Australia’s tiny and critically endangered Corroboree Frog to the Southern Black Rhino.

Taronga’s two Zoos, Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, create experiences for its 1.7 million guests that inspire lasting connections between people and wildlife.

Through education programs, community engagement and environmental campaigning, Taronga works to create the next-generation of conservation champions.

Taronga believes that a future without wildlife is not an option. Taronga is for the wild.