IT’S NAIDOC Week next week.
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, and the week aims to increase community awareness of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.
The theme this year is Serving Country – Centenary and Beyond, which honours all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have fought in defence of country.
It’s also a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the Bearlay Aboriginal Interagency, Birpai and Bunyah local Aboriginal Land Councils are hosting a week of activities around the local area for everyone to enjoy.
NAIDOC Week will be officially launched (7 July) with a flag-raising ceremony at the Town Green cenotaph.
The flag-raising honours this year will be carried out by local Australian Defence Force cadets from the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The highlight of the week is always the family fun day and this year is no different. Council will have an information stand for those seeking information around council’s services to the local Indigenous community and services in general.
There will be something for everyone including a welcome to country, face-painting, bush tuckers tastings, traditional dancing, a jumping castle and free lunch.
For more information on NAIDOC Week and events planned, visit www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au.
NAIDOC Week events:
* Official flag-raising ceremony – Town Green, 10am Monday 7 July.
* Bunyah Land Council artist in residence – Bain Park, 10am to 2pm Tuesday 8 July.
* Aboriginal Youth Touch Challenge – Stuart’s Park, 10am to 2pm Wednesday 9 July.
* Hastings NAIDOC Family Fun Day – Port Macquarie Racecourse, 10am to 2pm Thursday 10 July.
* Aboriginal Men’s Annual NAIDOC Golf Challenge – Wauchope Golf Club, 9.30am Friday 11 July.
