WISE Employment is proud to be a major partner of the Koorie Night market, an Aboriginal festival celebrating and promoting Koorie arts, culture and identity.

WISE Employment is proud to be a major partner of the Koorie Night market, an Aboriginal festival celebrating and promoting Koorie arts, culture and identity.

The Market provides a unique opportunity to purchase authentic locally made Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander products and meet local community members in a welcoming festival atmosphere.

The next market will be held on Thursday 27 May, in Melbourne CBD and Saturday 29 May, in Newport and will be a timely acknowledgement of Reconciliation Week.

WISE Employment’s Community Investment manager, David Christian believes that the markets are a wonderful initiative, showcasing Indigenous talent and also providing a way for the community to work together.

“There’s few places to purchase locally made Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander gifts directly from the person who made them,” says David.

“By buying straight from the artist, we have an opportunity to understand the cultural meaning behind their work, while also supporting economic growth within the Indigenous community.”

Koorie Night Market community worker, Eva-Jo Edwards has been involved since the project was started.

“The markets are a platform to showcase Koorie culture as a living and dynamic force in our community,” said Eva-Jo.

“It gives us an opportunity to stand strong and proud and share our culture with Victoria’s communities in all their diversity.”

The markets bring together leading Indigenous performers in a relaxed atmosphere suitable for the whole family.

“We’ll have a didgeridoo workshop for the fellas; traditional basket weaving for the ladies and for the kids, there’ll be a Koorie dance workshop and cultural craft activities.”

Stalls include gourmet food, traditional artefacts, home-wares, paintings, and a huge variety of arts, crafts and clothing.

Market-goers will also be treated to the soulful sounds of Liz Cavanagh’s Jazz Quartet and acoustic performances by rising stars Illana Atkinson and young Gunditjmara man, Jayden Lillyist.

Project partners include Darebin Council, the Darebin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Council (DATSICC), community organisations, stallholders, WISE Community Investment and the Darebin Enterprise Centre Ltd. This project is also supported by the Australian Government. Koorie Night Market

Koorie Night Market - Thursday 27 May
The Foyer, 333 Collins Street, Melbourne
12 noon – 2.00pm

Koorie Night Market - Saturday 29 May
The Substation, 1 Market Street, Newport
5.00pm – 8.30pm

The Koorie Market Inc are also seeking the assistance of volunteers. For further information, please contact Debra Salvagno on Debra.Salvagno@Darebin.vic.gov.au

For more information visit the Koorie Night Market call 03 9490 1468 or email contact@koorienightmarket.com.au