5 Lands Walk wins coveted Cultural Award

Gosford City Council has won a prestigious NSW Local Government and Shires Association (LGSA) Cultural Award for the popular 5 Lands Walk community event.

Submitted in the category of Aboriginal Cultural Development for Aboriginal Arts, the coveted award was presented at a ceremony held last night at NSW Parliament House.

Mayor of Gosford City, Councillor Chris Holstein said the Award recognises that since the inception of the 5 Lands Walk in 2006, the event has successfully developed the relationships between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people on the Central Coast.

"This event has enhanced Aboriginal art and cultural practices and forged important cultural collaborations between mainstream Australian culture, Aboriginal culture and communities of other cultural backgrounds," said Clr Holstein.

"Winning this Award is a credit to the Cultural Development staff and community members who have worked tirelessly to coordinate a cohesive and inclusive celebration of the different cultures that make up our local community".

Council's Manager Arts & Culture Mr John Mouland said the Award is a reflection of Council's commitment to providing sustainable cultural events in partnership with the Central Coast community.

"The 5 Lands Walk was developed by Gosford City Council with community organisations and local Aboriginal people four years ago. The event has grown in size and popularity each year, with over 3000 people participating in the 2009 Walk," said Mr Mouland.

"While Council's partnership continues, in January 2010 the vision and management of this initiative was formally handed over to the community leaders involved. In this way, the community has taken ownership of this event to ensure it truly reflective of the community itself.

"Already the 2010 event is planned to be bigger and better than ever, showcasing six different cultures across the five lands", Mr. Mouland added.

The 5 Lands Walk is an annual cultural, physical and spiritual journey comprising a nine kilometre walk through five coastal villages - Macmasters Beach, Copacabana, Avoca, North Avoca and Terrigal.

Along the walk each village hosts cultural activities reflective of their community with the aim of 'connecting people to people and people to place'. These activities include the presentation of food, music, dance, land art, paintings and photography, as well as education in Aboriginal culture and heritage, whale migration and the surrounding natural environment.

The 2010 5 Lands Walk will be officially launched on Monday 3 May and the event will take place on Saturday 3 July 2010.

For more information go to www.fivelandswalk.com.au

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