NAIDOC WEEK 2021
NAIDOC Week will run from Sunday 4 July to Sunday 11 July
The NAIDOC 2021 theme – Heal Country! – calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction.
Country that is more than a place and inherent to our identity.
Country that we speak about like a person, sustaining our lives in every aspect - spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially, and culturally.
NAIDOC 2021 invites the nation to embrace First Nations’ cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia's national heritage and equally respect the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders as they do the cultures and values of all Australians.
For generations we have been calling for stronger measures to recognise, protect, and maintain all aspects of our culture and heritage.
We are still waiting for those robust protections.
This year’s theme also seeks substantive institutional, structural, and collaborative reform – something generations of our Elders and communities have been advocating, marching and fighting for.
Healing Country means finally resolving many of the outstanding injustices which impact on the lives of our people.
It is about hearing and actioning the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples which are the culmination of generations of consultation and discussions among our nations on a range of issues and grievances.
After 250 years, our children and our future generations deserve better.
We cannot afford to let pass the very real opportunity that now presents itself for reform based on a fundamental change in the relationship Australia has with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Heal Country, heal our nation.
UPCOMING NAIDOC EVENTS
Newcastle
Monday 5 July 2021
08:30 am – 2:00 pm
CivicPark
King Street
Newcastle, NSW 2300
8.30am - meet at Nesca Park, Newcastle
9.00am - Opening ceremony and speeches, march from Nesca Park, along Darby Street - King Street to Civic Park
10.00am - 2.00pm - Civic Park community event including:
Australia's Got Talent Finalist - Mitch Tambo
Gambirra
Local Traditional Dancers
Cultural workshops including weaving and Didge making
Rides, Face Painting and Food
Central Coast
Tuesday 6 July 2021
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Gosford Entertainment Grounds - Gosford Racecourse
4 Racecourse Road
West Gosford, NSW 2250
This day is for our community to come together and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
It is a great opportunity to come together connect, engage and promote your services and program to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
There will be a range of activities on the day for the whole community:
• Health Check Hall - free health screening and advice for all
• Aboriginal Jobs Market – information on local education, training and employment services
• Elder's Precinct- safe space for our Elders
• Community & Health Precinct - information on local community services
• Children's Precinct - activities for all ages
• Koori Entertainment- a variety of dancers, singers and other performers
• Lunch - provided free for all
If you have further questions please contact: Central Coast Local Health District - Nunyara Aboriginal Health Unit on 4320 2698 or email CCLHD-Nunyara@health.nsw.gov.au .
Thanks for your ongoing support for us to provide this event to our community and look forward to seeing you on the day.
KOORI GRAPEVINE
CLICK HERE to read the Lake Mac City Council winter edition of all things happening in our region between July and August.
EOI FOR $200,000 PUBLIC ART PROJECT
Lake Macquarie City Council is seeking expressions of interest interest (EOI) from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists and artist groups to create a series of public artworks along the soon-to-be-built Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST).
