The importance, resilience and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages will be the focus of national – and local – celebrations marking NAIDOC Week 2017.
Council and members of the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee will open Coffs Harbour’s NAIDOC Week celebrations with the Official Flag Raising Ceremony and Morning Tea at the Council Chambers on Monday, July 3, from 9.30am. NAIDOC Week 2017 will also provide the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements and hard work of the Aboriginal community through the Grace Roberts Memorial Community Development Awards.
“The Grace Roberts Awards aim to recognise the contribution that local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples contribute to our community as a whole,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight. “Each nominee and winner is special because they’ve been recognised for their accomplishments by the community, their peers, their friends and their families. These Awards are an ideal way of highlighting just some of the achievements and excellent work being carried out by members of our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities.”
The Grace Roberts Community Development Awards Night will be held at the Coffs Harbour Golf Club on Saturday, July 1. A series of fun events are also being held throughout NAIDOC Week, which runs from July 2-9. These include:
- Saturday 1 July and Sunday 2 July
NARU Goori surf gathering. Hosted by Galambila AMS, Coffs Harbour Boardriders and Buillabong. Park Beach Surf Club, from 10am each day.
- Monday 3 July
9.30am – Official Flag Raising Ceremony and Morning Tea. Council Chambers.
11am – FACs open day and lunch. Norm Jordan Pavillion.
- Tuesday 4 July
The Ready Mob and Key Employment Family Fun Day. Key Employment Youth Centre, 10am.
- Wednesday 5 July and Thursday 6 July
Gumbaynggirr Storytimes at the Library read by Gumbaynggirr language teacher Raylene McMahon. Wednesday 5 July at the Harry Bailey Memorial Library at 11am and Thursday 6 July at Toormina Library at 11am.
- Wednesday 5 July
‘Who You Gunna Call’ Forum. Hosted by Aboriginal Health Mid North Coast Local Health District. An opportunity for people to engage with health service providers in an informal fun day. Coffs Harbour Showground, 10am – 3pm.
- Thursday 6 July
‘Caring for Country Planting the Seed’. Hosted by Coffs Harbour Aboriginal Land Council, Primary Health Network North Coast and Mid North Coast Local Health District. This is a chance to learn more about bush native species and help out with important regeneration. Diggers Beach, 10am.
- Friday 7 July
8.30am – Family Golf Day. Hosted by CHASE Committee, sponsored by Miidinya La Goori Men’s Group. Coffs Harbour Golf Club.
12noon – AFWS Elders Luncheon. East Boambee Community Hall.
8pm – NAIDOC after party. Hosted by CHASE, The Coast Hotel.
See the full calendar of events.
