A variety of events have been planned to celebrate NAIDOC week across the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) area this year with Cootamundra's events focusing on Cootamundra Public School.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Cootamundra will mark the occasion on Friday, July 12 from 11.30am to 2.30pm at the Cootamundra Public School in Cooper Street.
A barbeque lunch, art, weaving, language and Yarning Circles will be held for all community members to enjoy.
CGRC mayor Cr Abb McAlister is encouraging all community members to participate in this year's NAIDOC week celebrations at either Cootamundra or in Gundagai.
READ ALSO: Firearms targeted
A bus will run from Cootamundra to attend the Gundagai events.
"NAIDOC Week is such an important event for all of us, it's a time to come together, understand our indigenous culture, reflect on history and celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, there are a variety of events across Gundagai and Cootamundra for all people to enjoy," Cr McAlister said.
Gundagai's events begin on Thursday, July 11 at 9.30am at Mirrabooka with an official flag raising and smoking ceremony.
This will be followed by a Dreamtime story and morning rea with Aunty Sonia Piper and Uncle Peter Smith.
READ ALSO: Who should pay for substation?
A family fun day will round out the day with talks from National Parks and Wildlife Service Aboriginal Discovery Rangers; an Aboriginal art and language display; a free barbeque, stew and soup including damper and drinks; children's art, craft and games and lots of information and activity stalls.
Cootamundra residents who would like to attend NAIDOC Week celebrations in Gundagai are advised that buses will be available.
There is limited seating, so please contact Mirrabooka on 69 440 290.
Gundagai will also host a NAIDOC Ball and awards night on Saturday, July, 27, 2019 from 6.30 pm at the Gundagai District Services Club.
Special guest speaker is author Dr Anita Heiss who is an Indigenous Literacy Day ambassador and an Adjunct Professor with Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, UTS.
Further information, award nomination forms and ball tickets are available from Mirrabooka and the Cootamundra Heritage Centre.
The Gundagai Elders would like these events to be inclusive of all people and cultures.
