A WEEK of culture, connection and community celebration is set to take place across the Nambucca Valley as Nambucca Valley Council (NVC) joins with local Aboriginal organisations and community groups to celebrate NAIDOC Week from 5 to 12 July.
NVC is partnering with a wide range of organisations to deliver a diverse program of events that recognises and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NVC has acknowledged the support of Jaanymili Bawrrungga Aboriginal Corporation, Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council, ShoreTrack, HIPPY Australia, Mission Australia, Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Cooperative, and many other organisations that have helped to make this year’s celebrations possible.
The week begins on Sunday 5 July with a community BBQ breakfast at Stuart Island, Nambucca Heads, near the boat ramp.
The whole community is invited to attend the breakfast between 8.30am and 10.30am.
On Monday 6 July, families are encouraged to head to Henessy Tape Oval at Bowraville for a family sports day from 10am to 2pm.
The day will feature a range of activities including basketball, pickleball and touch football.
A flag raising ceremony and morning tea will be held at Macksville Hospital on Tuesday 7 July from 9am to 11am.
The event will include the cutting of the NAIDOC cake along with morning tea in the hospital courtyard.
Later that day, an Elders Luncheon will be held at Riverview Island, Bowraville, from midday until 3pm.
On Wednesday 8 July, NVC will host a special exhibition at the Nambucca Heads Community and Arts Centre from 10am to 2pm.
The exhibition will showcase 50 years of NAIDOC posters, celebrating the history and evolution of the annual event.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy lunch featuring mullet and fried scones.
Thursday 9 July will see Ti Tree at Scotts Head host a Men’s Day from 10am to 2pm.
The event will feature fishing, a BBQ lunch and prizes, with brothers, cousins and young family members all encouraged to attend.
The week’s celebrations conclude on Friday 10 July with a Mums and Bubs Day at Stuart Island, Nambucca Heads, from 10am to 2pm.
The event will include cultural dancing, women’s weaving and floral arrangements by Ebony.
Morning tea and a barbecue lunch will be provided, while children can enjoy a sensory table, balloon art and face painting.
Council is supporting the delivery of the week’s activities in partnership with a broad network of community organisations.
These include Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Lifetime Connect, Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council, Mid North Coast Local Health District, Carer Gateway, Carers NSW, Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Cooperative, Mission Australia, HIPPY Australia, Uniting, ETC Employment & Training, ShoreTrack and many others.
The week-long program offers residents and visitors an opportunity to come together to celebrate Aboriginal culture, strengthen community connections and recognise the important contributions of First Nations people throughout the Nambucca Valley.
By Mick BIRTLES
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