NAIDOC Week will be held this year from July 6 to 12 and will celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Councils across Australia will be celebrating the week in a variety of different ways.
Former Gold Coast Titans player Preston Campbell will visit the Central Highlands Regional Council as part of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.
Campbell is the mastermind behind the Indigenous All Stars annual rugby league game and one of Australia’s most influential sporting ambassadors.
In 2011 he was named NAIDOC’s Aboriginal Sports Star of the Year and he is also a recipient of the NRL’s Ken Stephen Medal for his work with Indigenous communities.
Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Peter Maguire said he was excited to have such an inspirational sportsman visit the region.
“We are very fortunate to have Preston join us for this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.
“We will certainly be making him feel welcome.”
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council will be hosting a flag raising ceremony and the opening of an Indigenous art show.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor Bev Colomb said NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and community.
“I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first Australians, and recognise that the Mornington Peninsula is home to the Boonwurrung/Bunurong, members of the Kulin Nation, who have lived here for thousands of years and who have traditional connections and responsibilities to the land on which council meets.
“I encourage everyone to participate in the activities that take place during NAIDOC Week, and warmly invite our community to join us at the Shire’s Hastings office on July 6.”
One of Australia’s most acclaimed Aboriginal chefs Clayton Donovan will be firing-up the burners and sharing his bush tucker secrets at a series of free cooking demonstrations to celebrate NAIDOC Week in Sydney
The former Watermark chef and television cooking show presenter will host three demonstrations at the City of Sydney’s free NAIDOC in the City event.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the interactive cooking demonstrations and feasting were designed to give people a taste of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander foods.
“NAIDOC in the City is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identity, and the earth oven feast is a great way to bring our local communities together.
“This is a fun way for everyone to learn more about Australia’s First Peoples.
“We created an earth oven at Hyde Park last year and gave everyone a sample taste, it was such a success that this year we are doing it again, so Sydneysiders, city workers and visitors can all enjoy some of the wonderful food on offer.”
