The City of Ballarat is proud to mark this year's NAIDOC Week with several events and activities celebrating the culture and heritage of Indigenous Australians.
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held each year to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year, from 3 to 10 July, events, workshops, and community days are being held across the city to put Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture front and centre.
Monday 4 July saw two flag raising ceremonies, hosted by the Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operation (BADAC) and the City of Ballarat respectively.
The full week of events includes performances from First Nations actors, workshops of Indigenous cultural practises, and a family-friendly community day open to all to attend.
City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor, Cr Amy Johnson said NAIDOC Week gives everyone in Ballarat a chance to immerse themselves in First Nations culture to build towards a better future for all.
"There's a lot to celebrate about First Nation's People, their culture, history, and achievements," she said.
"By celebrating the culture and preserving the history of First Nations peoples, we can move forward together, in a country where equality and respect are the norm.
"Whilst we're doing slightly better than we were previously, we can, and must do more to make progress toward reconciliation.
"We need to make sure our voices are heard and narrow the gap between aspiration and reality."
For the full program of NAIDOC Week events in Ballarat, visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/NAIDOC-week
