NAIDOC Week 2016 is an opportunity for all Hawkesbury people to come together to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
During NAIDOC Week, July 3-10, the Hawkesbury will host a free concert at Richmond Park, Windsor Street Richmond on Sunday, July 10 to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
Entertainment will be provided from 10am to 3pm including live bands, lots of stalls and children’s activities.
All are welcome to attend and enjoy a barbecue, bush tucker, face painting, art, and a wildlife display.
For more information about the concert, contact Merana Aboriginal Community Association for the Hawkesbury Inc, on 4588 5144.
In the event of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to Sunday, July 24.
Hawkesbury Central Library will also embrace NAIDOC Week with a free movie festival, showcasing a mixture of drama, suspense and insights into cultural responsibilities shared by Indigenous communities.
The festival will run on Tuesday, July 5 from 1pm and 4pm and Thursday, July 7 from 10am and 6pm at the Tebbutt Room, 300 George Street, Windsor.
Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Mayor Kim Ford said “it’s important for all of us celebrate how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain connected to their culture, and continue to all come together and have a good time, especially during NAIDOC Week.”
For more information, call Hawkesbury Central Library on 4560 4460.
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
It arose after Aboriginal groups in the 1920s tried to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal people.
It’s now a national celebration speaheaded by the National NAIDOC Awards which recognise the outstanding contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians make to the wider community.
The 2016 winners will be announced at the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony in Darwin on Friday, July 8.