Queenslanders are invited to celebrate the unique and diverse culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people during National Aborigines and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week 2013 next week.
Running from 7–14 July, NAIDOC Week is a national opportunity to reflect on the valuable contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made, and continue to make, to our national identity.
Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett said Queensland’s NAIDOC Week celebrations are a great chance to get involved with more than 100 local celebrations in communities across the state.
“NAIDOC Week has been celebrated by Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people since the 1920s,” Mr Bennett said.
“Over time, the celebration has evolved into a week acknowledging Indigenous achievement and encouraging us to learn more about our unique Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
“As Queenslanders, it’s a reminder of the great contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to our state every day and of their importance in our community.
“To coincide with NAIDOC Week, we will launch another 13 stories of successful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to feature as the new ‘faces’ of the deadly stories campaign.”
NAIDOC Week activities in Bundaberg and the Burnett start with a flag raising on Monday 8 July at 10:00am at Buss Park, and closes with a church service on Sunday at 6:00 pm at Christ Church. There’s an art exhibition by Woorabar Elders at the School of Arts, the “Cookie Fisher” memorial cricket match on Saturday 13, and even a Jukunyula Tiny Tot Quest, on Friday 12th.
“With a variety of community events specifically for NAIDOC, I urge people to use these valuable learning opportunities to connect with their own communities,” Mr Bennett said.
Further information on NAIDOC Week activities can be found at www.datsima.qld.gov.au.