Chadstone acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Chadstone celebrated NAIDOC Week 2024 with Aboriginal artist Tommy Day III creating a live artwork over the weekend.

We asked Day some questions around the importance of NAIDOC Week and the story behind the artwork he created at Chadstone.

What traditional land do you come from?

Day: I’m a Kerrupmara man from the Gunditjmara Nation. I come from a place called Tae Rak - Lake Condah from the Budj Bim Cultural landscape in the far south western district of Victoria. I am based in Naarm - Melbourne on the lands of the Kulin Nation.

Can you explain what NAIDOC stands for and what this important week recognises?

Day: NAIDOC week is a big celebration for Indigenous people and a highlight on the Blak calendar - it is our Blak Christmas. While reconciliation week focuses on relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, NAIDOC week is purely to celebrate our culture and achievements.

What does NAIDOC Week mean to you?

Day: NAIDOC Week for me represents a time where our communities come together to celebrate each other. A week where all activities are centred on celebrating our culture and identities.

How can people get involved in NAIDOC Week and show their support?

Day: NAIDOC Week activities are run throughout the week and across all communities. Ending with the NAIDOC March on Friday 12th July where all are welcome.

Can you talk us through the story behind the artwork you will be painting at Chadstone?

Day: I have titled the artwork 'Mirring Leerpeen - Countries Song' as an ode to country and the songs that have been sung across it. It depicts the waterways, the landscapes that have been shaped over countless generations. My approach is a bird's eye perspective and serves as a map of the country. We believe when the land was created, the great creators danced and sung the land into existence. The fine lines throughout represent people, their journey and the journeys made today. Our collective footprints and our songs today.