Bunbury fun day goes swimmingly well

The South West Aboriginal Medical Service hosted the fun day at The Bunbury Trotting Club in celebration of NAIDOC week.

There was traditional Aboriginal dance on show performed by the young boys with Koolangkas Kreate, didgeridoo players, face painting, a sausage sizzle and bouncing castles for the kids.

Highlight on the day was featherweight boxing champion Cheeky May turning out to say hello to friends and family and to celebrate the day.

Cheeky also did a short interview with SWAMS employee Nat Jetta who quizzed him on his success as an athlete and his strict training regiment.

But for the champion boxer the fun day was an opportunity to relax.

“It’s not all the time that we all get together and have a good day like this,” he said.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for my family, I’ve got a good family, my cousins look up to me and that keeps me going.

“I know what I want in the future so I go for it.”

South West Aboriginal Medical Service CEO Lesley Nelson, said NAIDOC Week was a fantastic opportunity to highlight Indigenous achievement in the community.

“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for us to all come together, embrace, respect and celebrate our culture through some engaging community events,” Ms Nelson said.

“NAIDOC Week is also a very important time to showcase the achievements of our people, and on behalf of myself and the SWAMS Board, we would like to encourage our Noongar community to embrace and enjoy this special week.

Ms Nelson also said NAIDOC week held plenty of educational value.

“It’s a fun place where you can learn about Noongar people, our culture, language and history,” she said. 

SWAMS held a total of 10 events over NAIDOC week including a flag raising ceremony, a drug and alcohol service, a youth disco and an elders’ luncheon.

For more on the South West Aboriginal Medical Service visit swams.com.au.

Visit page 22 to see more photos from the SWAMS Family Fun Day.