Take Care NAIDOC Message with Wadawurrung

Gobata, Wadawurrung for ‘take care’, has been posted as a landmark NAIDOC Week message on the Surf Coast Highway at Villawood Properties’ Armstrong community.

Pictured above are Rebekah Devlin, Aunty Mary Shuttleworth and Liam Murphy from the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation who explained: “In Wadawurrung language, we do not have a word for goodbye as we hope to see you again, we say Gobata instead.”

NAIDOC, the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, is driving the theme ‘For Our Elders’ in its 2023 showcase.

Elders shape and guide each generation, passing on cultural knowledge to ensure people understand the cultural obligation to take care of Wadawurrung Country.

Rebekah, Wadawurrung Woman and Recognition and Negotiations General Manager, said: “Our Elders shape and guide each generation, passing on cultural knowledge to ensure we all understand our cultural obligation to take care of Wadawurrung Country.

“Gobata means take care, but it can be used in many contexts: take care of each other, of yourself, of Country – but it is up to all of us to take care of our Elders.

“This is something we can all aspire to, not just during NAIDOC Week, but every week – ensuring our Elders are cared for and treated with the respect they so dearly deserve.”

WTOAC CEO Liam Murphy thanked Villawood Properties for its support in giving more visibility to Wadawurrung language.