Armidale Regional Council has announced it is proud to provide assistance and work together with various groups and organisations in the community as they commemorate NAIDOC Week 2024 with an exciting lineup of local events.
The Council's Aboriginal Community Development Officer, Cyril Green, said this year's NAIDOC Week theme 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud', is of great importance.
"The theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites everyone to stand together," he said.
"Fire represents the enduring strength of Indigenous Cultures, passed down through generations despite great challenges. It connects us to the land and each other."
Armidale's NAIDOC Week Committee has organised a series of community events that honour Indigenous culture and provide a supportive environment for individuals to embrace their heritage.
Events have been created and will be delivered in collaboration across the community.
Kicking off the celebrations will be a Church service and morning tea at Christian Outreach Centre on Sunday 7 July at 10am.
On Monday the 8th a flag raising and lunch will be hosted at the Booloominbah Lawns, University of New England, later followed by a Dance workshop by New England Dance Theatre at 11am.
The morning tea at Armidale Hospital (Hunter New England Health), the Anaiwan language session at Armidale Town Hall, and the morning tea event 'Brothers and Tiddas in the Dale' at McCarthy Building Courtyard (Community Corrections) are scheduled to start at 10:30 am on Tuesday July 9. Later that day, families can participate in a free movie night at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place (ACCKP), featuring 'Bran Nue Dae' for adults and a kids session of 'Aussie Bush Tales' (ANTaR). The movie night will begin at 6pm.
Wednesday July 10 at 9.30am-3pm will see the 'Walkabout Barber' at ACCKP (Armajun), Starting at 10am is the NAIDOC Community Fun Day (3 on 3 Basketball) at The Den, Armidale Secondary College (Pathfinders), and Services Expo and BBQ Sausage Sizzle at ACCKP (Services Our Way).
At 10:30am will be the Weaving Workshop at Armidale Town Hall (Gabby Briggs) there will also be Pop Up Store / Hat designs at Armidale Town Hall (New England Family Support).
On Thursday the 11th the 'Walkabout Barber' event at ACCKP (Armajun) will begin at 9:30am and run until 3pm. Following that, there will be Stalls, Dancing, Arts & Crafts in Armidale Mall (Women's Shelter) at 10am, and an Art session at Armidale Town Hall (Newarra) at 10:30am.
Additionally, there will be a launch of a Photographic Exhibition at the Community Support Hub. Later in the day, there will be a Children's Disco at Minimbah School Hall (Challenge Community Services) at 5pm.
Friday there is no events taking place.
Lastly, on Saturday July 13 the Amidale Jockey Club will host a Deadly Fest at 1:30pm.
"We are looking forward to a full week of community activity during NAIDOC Week – and a few extra great events that will be held alongside that week," Mr Green said.
"Programs such as this are one part of larger collective efforts that assist in the creation of a future where stories, traditions, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are cherished and celebrated - and enrich us all!"
More information about these events is available on the Council's events page.
