6 July 2010

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Reef HQ Aquarium are celebrating NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week with a school holiday program which shares Traditional Owner's connection to sea country in Great Barrier Reef.

The 'Reef Dreaming' school holiday program runs until to Sunday 11 July, between 10am and 12pm daily.

Visitors are invited to experience Reef HQ through the eyes of a local Indigenous guide, Russell Butler Jnr, as he shares his knowledge and cultural ties to the Great Barrier Reef and its marine life.

Discover local Dreamtime stories including 'Yamanie', the creation story of the rainbow serpent. The Aboriginal rainbow serpent belief is one of the oldest continuing religious beliefs in the world, dating back several thousand years.

Other craft activities will see children learn how to roll string to make a beach hibiscus bracelet, or create their own fiddlier crab and mudskipper.

The program also includes screenings of the locally produced short film 'Safeguarding the Gungu Seaturtle' which explores the cultural significance, traditional use and marine management of the green sea turtle in the Great Barrier Reef region.

In addition to the school holiday program, the daily predator dive show (10.30am), turtle talk (12pm) and feeding (2.30pm) allow visitors to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef up close.

NAIDOC Week is held annually in July, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and recognising the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields.

The 2010 National NAIDOC theme is 'Unsung Heroes – Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way'.

All Australians are encouraged to participate in activities taking place across the nation during NAIDOC Week. This year's NAIDOC Awards, which honour the achievements of Indigenous Australians, will be held in Melbourne on Friday 9 July.

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