Get behind NAIDOC celebrations (Hunter and Mid North Coast)

26 June 2009

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Paul Lynch has urged people in the Hunter and on the Mid-North Coast to get behind NAIDOC Week celebrations.

On 5 July, Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Centre hold a busy schedule including traditional story-telling, painting by Aboriginal artists, a jumping castle, soup and damper, boomerang painting and entertainment.

The NSW Government is also supporting Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council to take 13 Elders and 41 children to Taronga Park Zoo.

Between 6 and 11 July, Forster Local Aboriginal Land Council will run a number of events around NAIDOC Week.

Koompahtoo Local Aboriginal Land Council at Toronto will celebrate NAIDOC Week on 7 July.

On 10 July, Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre in Taree-Purfleet will host a range of events including bush tucker demonstrations, youth activities and other entertainment.

These include a flag-raising ceremony, lunch and dinner for Elders, a football coaching clinic, youth disco, Aboriginal dancers, music, bush tucker display, community barbecue and a careers expo.

On 14 August Bellingen High School will celebrate this year's NAIDOC, theme of Honouring Our Elders, Nurturing Our Youth.

NAIDOC started in 1957 as the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee.

The Committee was formed with the support and co-operation of Federal and State governments, churches and major Indigenous organisations.

In 1988, the name was changed to NAIDOC - National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee - to acknowledge Torres Strait Islander people.

"NAIDOC celebrations provide an important opportunity for government to work in partnership with Aboriginal communities, demonstrating a commitment to work with young people and celebrating the contribution of elders," Mr Lynch said.

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Williams 0408 602 936

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