MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has today announced $6,750 in State Government funding to support local celebrations for NAIDOC Week, beginning on 5 July.
Mr Marshall said the Ashford, Tingha, Moree, Boggabilla and Toomelah Local Aboriginal Lands Councils would share in the funding to host a series of events during the week-long celebrations.
“In Ashford, there will be wide range of activities during the week, including an Ashford LALC versus NSW Police touch football match,” Mr Marshall said.
“They will hold an elder’s dinner which will include a story-telling session and they have also organised a few bus trips to visit culturally-relevant sites in the area
“Tingha will hold a NAIDOC street march which I’m looking forward to attending again this year. This is followed by a flag raising ceremony and morning tea celebrations. The committee has also organised a cultural excursion.
“I’m delighted to see the Boggabilla and Toomelah NAIDOC committees have organised a ball in honour of their Kamilaroi elders, a great way to celebrate the beginning of NAIDOC week. They will then combine with Goondiwindi to put on a week of activities for all three communities.
“The Miyay Birray Youth Service in Moree will also provide a week of activities for the whole community and I’m very pleased the NSW Government provides funding to support these local events during NAIDOC Week.”
Mr Marshall said NAIDOC was a very important week on the Australian calendar, celebrating the culture and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and recognising their contribution to our country across all facets of society.
“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to come together and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,” Mr Marshall said.
“In 2015, the NSW Government has provided $125,000 to support over 100 NAIDOC Week events across the State.
“The national NAIDOC theme for 2015 is – ‘We all Stand on Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate’. This year the theme highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ strong spiritual and cultural connection to land and sea.”
For more information, see www.naidoc.org.au