Annual NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week commemorations begin this Sunday, July 7 with a range of events until the following Sunday, July 14.
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One of the most important weeks on the national calendar, the theme for this year's NAIDOC Week is Voice. Treaty. Truth.
A celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the week will officially kick off with a church gathering at Purfleet Community Church on Sunday, with a Sunday school for kids between 9:30-10:30am, followed by a church service from 11am-1pm.
"We have a diverse, strong and passionate Aboriginal population across the Mid Coast and NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity for members of the community to really showcase their culture," MidCoast Council community strengthening co-ordinator, Lyndie Hepple said.
On Monday, July 8 two flag-raising events with cultural dancers, Didgeridoo playing, singing in traditional language and smoking ceremonies, will be held at council chambers in both Forster and Taree.
Forster's ceremony will begin at 10am.
We have a diverse, strong and passionate Aboriginal population across the Mid Coast and NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity for members of the community to really showcase their culture.
- Lyndie Hepple
"As a community our identity and character can be strengthened by a proactive, respectful approach to understanding and celebrating Indigenous culture in all its expressions," MidCoast Council general manager, Adrian Panuccio said.
"This area is fortunate to have passionate elders who are committed to restoring their traditional language, celebrating their history and sharing their culture with us all."
A highlight of the week will be the cultural tours, planned for Saltwater National Park and Minimbah Gardens, Gloucester River Park.
Aunty Fay and Gavin Clark will lead the Satlwater tour, while Worimi elder Glenn Jones will teach the participants at the Gloucester event about bush foods and how the gardens are an important Aboriginal meeting place.
Both tours are running from 10am to 12pm.
Other events being held throughout the week include:
- A police versus community touch football game at Cabarita Flats, Forster (next to Tobwabba medical centre) on Wednesday, July 10 from 11am.
- A cultural cruise on Tuesday, July 9. Contact Homebase Forster for more information 6555 4351
- An incredible, Tobwabba AMS and Biripi ACMC 'Sea of Bellies' NAIDOC exhibition, at Manning Regional Art Gallery, with an official opening on Tuesday, July 9 at 11am
- A community family fun day on Thursday, July 11 at Cabarita Flats, Forster from 10am.
- Men's golf day at Forster on Friday, July 12. Contact Nessie Stewart at Community Health 6539 6300
- The annual NAIDOC Awards Night at the Exchange Waterfront Function Centre on Friday, July 12 from 7pm
- Debutante ball, Club Forster from 4pm on Saturday 13 July. Tickets available at Homebase Tuncurry. For more information contact 6555 4351.
"This year's line-up of events is a really impressive celebration of culture and the organising committees have done a fantastic job putting it all together," Ms Hepple said.
For more information contact Homebase Youth Services Aboriginal services manager, Margie Donnelly on 0407 891 631.
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