NAIDOC week ended in Goulburn on a high note with a performance by singer and actress, Christine Anu.
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The Cairns born artist, who has Torres Strait Islander heritage, performed to a 93-strong crowd at the Goulburn Library on Sunday afternoon.
The appearance was the final performance of her ‘In Conversation with Christine’ tour around Australia.
In song and conversation she took the crowd on a journey of not just her heritage but indigenous Australia’s, including the fight for land rights and the connection with country.
She spoke of issues close to her heart.
“In my day (indigenous) language was never spoken about….In my mum’s day if you were caught speaking your language you would be caned,” she said.
“...I’m very proud of my heritage and that I can still speak my language.”
Ms Anu said she used her first album as an “opportunity to be culturally proud and have this message resonate.”
“You’re getting a little piece of me and the richness I’ve experienced in my career,” she said of the concert.
The audience included people who drove especially from Canberra for the event.
Library manager Erin Williams said Anu’s management contacted the facility, asking whether it wanted to be included on the tour. It happily coincided with NAIDOC Week.
“We’re very pleased with the response; it was booked out within a few weeks of announcing it,” she said.
“It’s also nice to bring other people into the library who wouldn’t otherwise use it.”