“NAIDOC Week is an important opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and recognise the significant contributions First Nations peoples have made, and continue to make, to our nation and local community.”
That was the message from Camden Mayor Therese Fedeli as Camden prepares to celebrate a major milestone – 50 years of NAIDOC Week.
Camden Council is inviting residents to take part in a week of events honouring the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with this year’s theme, Fifty Years of Deadly, recognising the Elders, advocates, artists and communities who have shaped the movement over the past five decades.
The centrepiece of the local celebrations will be the official Flag Raising Ceremony on Tuesday, July 7, at Oran Park, followed by a community event featuring traditional weaving, necklace making, ochre face painting, didgeridoo workshops, a community barbecue and information stalls.
Fedeli said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the strength and resilience of First Nations peoples while building greater understanding within the wider community.
“As we mark 50 years of NAIDOC Week, we also acknowledge the strength, resilience and achievements of generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while looking forward to a future built on respect, understanding and connection,” she said.
The celebrations will extend across the Camden area, with special NAIDOC-themed Storytime sessions at local libraries and family-friendly art workshops at the Alan Baker Art Gallery, where children can learn about Aboriginal culture through storytelling, symbols and traditional boomerang-inspired artwork.
NAIDOC Week remains one of Australia’s most significant celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, providing an opportunity for communities to recognise the world’s oldest continuing culture and the enduring contributions of First Nations peoples.
For more information on Council’s NAIDOC Week activities, visit bit.ly/camdennaidocweek
For more information on the NAIDOC Art Play sessions, and to book, visit trybooking.com/DCXM
