Ballina Shire gears up for NAIDOC Week
This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, selected by the National NAIDOC Week Committee, is ‘Advance Australia Fair’.
The National NAIDOC Week Committee Chair, Aden Ridgeway, said: “The aim of the theme this year is to encourage people to reflect on the Australian principle of a ‘fair go’ and for them to consider the inequalities still experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country today.”
Local Aboriginal service providers, in partnership with Ballina Shire Council and mainstream agencies, are holding a number of functions and activities promoting and celebrating NAIDOC Week in the Ballina Shire.
Ballina Shire Council says residents are invited to participate in celebrating NAIDOC Week and support a greater understanding of local Aboriginal people and their culture.
“Respect, acceptance and valuing all Australians will contribute to a better community for all,” the council said.
Events in the shire include the traditional Celebration Walk down River Street, from the RSL Club car park to the Ballina Visitor Information Centre on Monday 7 July.
A formal Welcome to Country and flag-raising ceremony will be held at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre at the completion of the walk.
A morning tea will follow in the Richmond Room, Regatta Avenue, Ballina.
Walkers should assemble at the Ballina RSL car park from 9.30am to participate in the Celebration Walk.
Formal ceremonies at the Ballina Visitor Information Centre will begin at 10.30am.
On Tuesday July 8 an information stalls and activity day will be held at Missingham Park.
The day will showcase service providers that currently serve the needs of, or want to promote their services to, the local Aboriginal community.
The day will also include music and dance entertainment, light refreshments and a barbecue.
On Wednesday July 9 a traditional games and sports day will be held at Saunders Oval, Kerr Street, Ballina from 9am-3pm.
Events in the Ballina Shire will conclude with NAIDOC Awards on Thursday July 10 at the Ballina RSL Club.
The NAIDOC Awards will acknowledge the achievements of community members in various categories.
A Youth Awards presentation will take place at 11.30am and an Adult Awards presentation at 6.30pm.
