BEGINNING on Monday 8 July, marches in Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay will be the focal point of this year’s NAIDOC week celebrations in Port Stephens.

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NAIDOC week celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements, as well as the invaluable contribution Indigenous Australians make to our community. It’s celebrated by Australians from all walks of life.

With the theme ‘Voice. Treaty. Truth.’, Australia’s Indigenous minorities call for an enhanced role in decision making in Australia’s democracy.

Mayor Ryan Palmer says NAIDOC week is a great opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the valuable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to Port Stephens.

“We have been working alongside our local Aboriginal community for many years and we’re very proud of our partnership with the Worimi people,” Mayor Palmer said.

“Last year, Port Stephens Council, Karuah and Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Councils signed The Road to Tomorrow Agreement, or Yabang-Gu-Butunga Agreement, which was a first for the region.”

“This year, we continue to work together on the shared objectives and projects that have been identified as priorities for Port Stephens.

“We’re very proud of our great partnership with the Local Aboriginal Land Councils and we hope to continue working alongside them for the betterment of the Port Stephens community,” he added.

NAIDOC Week 2019 calendar of events – Port Stephens
Monday 8 July

· Raymond Terrace march and flag raising

9am — March from Cenotaph (cnr Port Stephens St and Jacaranda Av) to Port Stephens Council (116 Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace). The forecourt will be yarn bombed in Aboriginal colours, all knitted by Council staff and community volunteers. Flag raising, speeches and free breakfast to follow.

Wednesday 10 July

· Nelson Bay march and entertainment

9am to 3pm — March from Nelson Bay Bowling Club down Stockton Street to Foreshore Park. Rides and fun for kids, beading and weaving demonstrations, plus local entertainment. BBQ lunch and refreshments available.

Thursday 11 July

· NAIDOC Touch Football Championship

8am to 2.30pm at Lakeside Sporting Complex

The Port Stephens NAIDOC Touch Football Championship brings together the local Aboriginal community, NSW Police, Port Stephens Council, the Royal Australian Air Force and the NSW Education Department to celebrate history, culture and the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while playing a few friendly games of touch football.

· 2.30pm at Lakeside Sporting Complex

Mural unveiling by local Worimi Artist Jason Russell

Friday 12 July

· Family Fun Day at Murrook Cultural Centre

10am to 3pm at 2163 Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown. Come along for entertainment, rides and face painting for kids, stalls and workshops from community service providers. BBQ lunch and refreshments available.

Special events:

· 29 June to 1 August — NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition

Worimi Wild Flowers by Pauline Coxon will be on display for the duration of NAIDOC Week at the Raymond Terrace Art Space at Raymond Terrace Library.

· 11 to 12 July — NAIDOC Week Free Film Festival

In celebration of NAIDOC Week, Port Stephens Libraries will be screening special movies — free for all to enjoy. See our website for details: http://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/play/events/event-calendar/naidoc-week-free-film-festival