WIPC:E Cultural Events

Cultural pride, performance and exchange is one of the most exciting aspects of WIPC:E. With an expected attendance of over 3000 delegates from across the world, the breadth of Indigenous performance and the talent on display is guaranteed to be inspirational.

The Traditional Welcome to Country Ceremony

The Traditional Welcome to Country Ceremony will be a full day of cultural celebration, taking place at the Aborigines Advancement League (AAL). The AAL is often referred to as the “mother” of all Australian Aboriginal organisations, and currently sits on the largest piece of Aboriginal owned land in Melbourne.

 

MC Kylie Belling will lead us through the Ceremony, starting with a Traditional Welcome to Country by representatives of the Kulin Nation, the custodians of the Melbourne region. Local dance troop, One Fire, will perform their repertoire of celebration dances before handing over to members of the WIPC:E 2008 team to officially welcome delegates on behalf of the Indigenous people of Australia.

 

Indigenous groups or individual delegates from across the world will have the opportunity to respond, either through speech, dance, song or other forms of cultural expression.

 

Some of Indigenous Australia’s performing stars will then take to the stage in a showcase of local talent. Performing artists include Joe Geia, Lou Bennet and the Sweet Cheeks and Tjimba and the Yung Warriors.

 

This will be a drug and alcohol free family event and will be open to the public.

 

Date: Sunday 7 December 2008
Time: 10am – 7.30pm
Venue: The Aborigines Advancement League, 2 Watts Street Thornbury.
Cost: FREE

187 to Kal: Feature Film by Richard J. Frankland

WIPC:E delegates have an opportunity to view Australia’s first Indigenous comedy feature film. A viewing of the film by award winning writer/director Richard J. Frankland will take place in the Skyline Room prior to the Tuesday night Twilight Session. 6.00pm – 7.30pm.

 

Richard J. Frankland is a Gunditjmara man who with his business partner John Foss has made over fifty films. They have received twenty two national and international awards ranging from Cannes (in France) to the Black Hollywood Film Festival (in Los Angeles) and Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame (San Francisco).

 

For more information on the film visit – www.goldenseahorse.com.au

The Closing Ceremony

After 4 jam packed days, its time to let your hair down and celebrate to the sounds of local and international Indigenous performers. The Closing Ceremony at Rod Laver Arena will be a huge night hosted by Aboriginal comedian Sean Choolbura.

 

WIPC:E delegates, dressed in traditional costume, will form a procession of colour and excitement for the Parade of Nations. One Fire Dance troop will perform a special ceremony created for WIPC:E 2008 where they hand over the honour of hosting WIPC:E to the next host nation.

 

Rising hip-hop starts Tjimba and the Yung Warriors will join legendary singers Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter. Uncle Herb Patten will belt out some tunes on his gum leaf.

 

Between performances by local stars, our talented delegates will take to the stage sharing songs, dances and ceremony.

 

This will be a drug and alcohol free family event and will be open to the public.

 

Date: Thursday 11 December 2008
Time: 7.30pm – 11pm
Venue: Rod Laver Arena
Cost: WIPCE 2008 Delegates included in registration
Other: Additional tickets can be purchased for friends and family through Ticketek. For general admission seating, individual tickets are $15 per person or a
family ticket (2 Adults/2 Children or 1 Adult/3 Children) for $30. Call Ticketek on 132 849 or visit www.ticketek.com.au to purchase tickets.

What’s happening Around Melbourne?

There are many opportunities to network with the local Aboriginal community outside of Conference hours.

Cabarets at the Aborigines Advancement League

Join the local community for music and dancing. Monday 8th of December will be a night of boot scooting Country Western. Wednesday 10th of December will feature fresh RnB and hip hop. Pick up locally made Indigenous products and souvenirs from the twilight markets outside.

 

Date: Monday 8th and Wednesday 10th December 2008
Time: 8pm – midnight
Venue: The Aborigines Advancement League, 2 Watts Street Thornbury.
Cost: $5 per person
Age Restrictions: 18 years and over only

General Information

• Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau
• That's Melbourne - Tourist Information
• That’s Melbourne – Brochures and Maps