RESIDENTS of Raymond Terrace and surrounding communities came out in droves to attend Port Stephens Council’s NAIDOC Week Opening and Fun Day on Thursday 4 July.

The day began with a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony, speeches and flag-raising ceremony at Council’s Admin Building.

Hundreds then marched down the main street of Raymond Terrace to Riverside Park, where a community day was held.

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are generally held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’.

More local `NAIDOC events continue this week, with full details at https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/community/events/2024/port-stephens-naidoc-week-2024.

 

A large Aboriginal flag led the procession down William Street. Photo: Tracey Bennett.

School groups, work places, community groups and more joined the march. Photo: Tracey Bennett.

 

A traditional smoking ceremony was held at Council’s Admin Building in Raymond Terrace. Photo: Port Stephens Council.

 

The Port Stephens Hunter Police District joined and supported the event. Photo: NSW Police.