Central West Hospital and Health Service is encouraging Central West residents to celebrate NAIDOC Week across the region with a range of events planned in participation with several organisations.
NAIDOC Week this year falls between 6–13 July.
Central West Health Executive Director Healthcare, Access and Coordination Karen McLellan said this year marked 50 years of the week-long celebration.
She said this year’s theme of The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrated achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.
She urged all Australians to support and secure institutional, structural, collaborative, and cooperative reforms.
“You can show your support for justice and equal rights by supporting your local First Nations communities through activities and events held across the state,’’ Ms McLellan said.
“This is a time for all Australians to learn about and celebrate the rich history and culture of our First Nations peoples and amplify their voices to continue in the fight for change.
“It means that the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders are respected equally to the cultures and values of all Australians.’’
Ms McLellan said Central West Health was planning a cultural day in Isisford on 16 August, in conjunction with local community groups and organisations, for which details were being finalised.
“The plan is to have a day where the local community can come together to share local food, stores, art and culture,’’ she said.
In addition, local First Nations organisations and shire councils are planning other events across the region, including at Winton on 7 July where a community fun day will be hosted by the Winton Shire Council and Charleville and Western Areas Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health.
Ms McLellan said Central West residents and schools also could get involved in NAIDOC Week by organising their own events.
“For instance, you could post NAIDOC and other First Nations posters around your classroom or workplace,’’ she said.
“Or you could research the traditional Indigenous owners in your area, or study Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts or hold a flag-raising ceremony.’’
Ms McLellan said NAIDOC Week provided an opportunity for all Australians to join and recognise the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the valuable contributions they continued to make to the region, the state and the country.
- NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
- Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.
- For more information on NAIDOC Week visit: https://www.naidoc.org.au/