On Monday, 8 July Shoalhaven City Council kicked off NAIDOC week with a special morning tea celebrating this year's theme - Voice, Treaty, Truth – Let's work together for a shared future.
Celebrated across Australia each July NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The week is a great opportunity to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and to participate in activities and events on offer throughout the Shoalhaven.
The 2019 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards will be hosted by Shoalhaven City Council at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on the 27 July 2019. The prestigious celebration is planning and delivered by Shoalhaven, Shellharbour and Wollongong City Councils and Kiama Municipal Council. The Regional NAIDOC Awards recognise the talents, excellence, and significant contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations make in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.
Online nominations for the NAIDOC Awards are still open until Friday, 12 July (hard copy nominations close 5 pm, Tuesday 9 July) and nominations can be submitted via Council's Get Involved page.
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Councillor Amanda Findley said: "I encourage all residents of the Shoalhaven to connect with NAIDOC week and to embrace and enjoy the vital role it plays in celebrating the history, culture, talents, achievements and survival of the oldest continuing culture in the world."
A NAIDOC Community Fun Day will be held on Wednesday 10 July at the Nowra Showground. I encourage everyone to head up to the showground and enjoy the festivities.
Clr Findley also said "The Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards have been held every year since 2011 to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations make and their contributions to their communities in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions. This event is a collaborative partnership between four local government areas, Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour City Council, Shoalhaven City Council and Kiama Municipal Council.
