The Wodonga TAFE Aboriginal liaison officer helped organise Kookaburra Kalling, a traditional art and bush tucker session.

Mr Ingram hoped the session would educate Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians alike about the role and history of art.

“Art is like the written language, it’s a way to pass down stories through generations. It’s fundamentally important to Aboriginal culture,” he said. 

During Kookaburra Kalling, Uncle Walter Melrose and Uncle Sunny Morgan ran clapstick stories, a charcoal session and taught those present about the symbols used in Koori design, as well as sharing bush tucker, with a modern twist.

The event was just one of many being held throughout NAIDOC week. 

At the LibraryMuseum, Albury Council hosted 70 children for a NAIDOC inspired storytime which centred around Why I love Australia by Bronwyn Bancroft, a descendant of the Bundjalung people.

After the storytime, children created murals inspired by Bancroft, in the rich colours and shapes of Australian landscapes to celebrate the wonderful art and stories of Indigenous illustrators and writers.

For Mr Ingram, NAIDOC week is about breaking down barriers between people.

“It’s about recognising positive achievements in Aboriginal communities and celebrating those achievements,” he said. “It’s also about educating the wider community of the great contributions of Aboriginal people to break down stereotypes.”

Mr Ingram hoped the session would impart knowledge so the traditions taught would continue to be passed through generations. 

“I hope it exposes people to Aboriginal culture and showing positive side of things. We want to pass knowledge on to the wider community,” he said.