MEMBER for Lismore Janelle Saffin said this year’s NAIDOC theme, 50 Years of Deadly, has been an opportunity to reflect on NAIDOC’s evolution from a civil rights movement to a week of community celebration.
“NAIDOC began as a protest movement, with the Aboriginal Day of Mourning drawing attention to dispossession and the entrenched racism faced by Aboriginal people.
“It grew into a strong cultural movement and, 50 years ago, became a week-long celebration of culture that we know as NAIDOC week.
“Events have been held throughout the week, including the community celebration at Lismore’s Oakes Oval on Wednesday, Tenterfield’s flag-raising event, and a full week of sport and cultural activities in Tweed, culminating in a NAIDOC Ball on Friday night. Nimbin’s celebrations are being held Friday with a barbecue, music and children’s activities.
“The Minns Labor Government has provided grants of up to $5000 to groups across the Lismore electorate to celebrate the culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
And the NAIDOC events don’t end this week.
Next week, Tenterfield Library will host a NAIDOC storytime, art activity and morning tea, with a Deadly Ball to follow in September.
The Wogun Gulli Naidoc Celebrations being held in Kyogle on July 24 include a fashion parade, Brolga Dance troupe and skate park and mountain bike activities.
Congratulations to the organisers of the many local events for the many ways you have brought communities together to celebrate 50 years of Deadly.
The National NAIDOC Awards will be held next month and I am pleased to see the late Rhoda Roberts, a proud Bundjalung woman, is to be honoured with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.
