People are invited to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture at Lismore City Council’s annual NAIDOC Celebration Day on Thursday, 4 July.
The 2019 NAIDOC theme is ‘Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together.’ At the heart of this theme is a call for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to have a greater role in decision-making within the Australian Parliament and for a meaningful treaty process to take place that facilitates truth-telling and healing.
The annual NAIDOC Celebration Day at the Lismore Showground is a chance for all community members to learn about the world’s oldest living culture through sharing, fun and friendship.
The day features a formal Welcome to Country and information stalls from more than 30 local service providers as well as family activities including sports games, children’s activities, face painting, food stalls and a sausage sizzle.
There will also be Aboriginal business displays, a talent showcase by local schools and an Elders Tent with morning tea and lunch provided for local Bundjalung Elders.
“NAIDOC Celebration Day is about providing a space where the whole community can proudly celebrate the richness of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,” Council’s Event Officer Leanne Clark said.
“Coming together in celebration is an informal but very important way to share culture. Events like this provide an opportunity for people to talk to one another, learn from one another, laugh with one another and ultimately, leave with a greater appreciation and understanding of one another’s culture.”
NAIDOC Celebration Day runs from 10am to 2pm at the Lismore Showground on Thursday, 4 July. Entry is free and the whole community is welcome.
Image: Uncle Gilbert Laurie will lead a smoking ceremony to open the 2019 NAIDOC Day celebrations on Thursday, 4 July.
