NAIDOC celebrations on the MidCoast

Published on 27 June 2023

Attend a community event to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples this NAIDOC Week, 2 - 9 July.

MidCoast Council has created an interactive NAIDOC web-hub listing the whole-of-community events taking place across the region. The page will remain active after NAIDOC Week to showcase our local Indigenous heritage and events.

“I encourage everyone to head along to a community event to be inspired, and celebrate the richness of our Aboriginal heritage and culture,” said Council’s Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell.

There will be free community days with fun cultural activities, markets and workshops in Forster, Taree, Gloucester and Tea Gardens. Celebrations will also include a community basketball shootout, youth discos, ‘Koorioke’ events, a church service and an outdoor corroboree at Saltwater National Park.

Taree will also host a march through Manning and Victoria Streets and a flag raising ceremony in Fotheringham Park.

“We are proud to support the MidCoast Aboriginal communities through the NAIDOC Grants program,” added Mr De Szell.

The trial NAIDOC Grants program was designed to provide $4,000 in support for community-led, whole-of-community events to celebrate NAIDOC week.

“We greatly value our First Nations people, and look forward to continuing to walk together to enhance inclusiveness and progress reconciliation.”

The theme for this year is “For Our Elders”. 
 
Across every generation, Aboriginal Elders have played an important role in communities and families. Many NAIDOC events will celebrate our Elders as cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, workers and loved ones. 

To find out what NAIDOC Week events are happening near you, head to https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/local-Aboriginal-hub

Check out our MidCoast Council Libraries team’s reading and DVD list for ideas on how to celebrate this NAIDOC week with your family and friends.