Cumberland Council will be hosting a series of community events across Cumberland to mark NAIDOC Week 2023, from Sunday 2 July to Sunday 9 July.
NAIDOC Week is held across Australia each year during the first week of July in celebration and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year's theme, "For Our Elders," highlights the role Elders have played and continue to play, in our communities and families, paying respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
Cumberland Mayor Lisa Lake said it was an important week to acknowledge Australia's history.
"NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all of us to learn more about First Nations cultures and histories as we participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth," she said.
"Although Cumberland has a relatively small indigenous community , it is still important for us all to recognise the significance of First Nations Peoples and the integral part they play in Australian history, as the Traditional Owners of the land."
Throughout the week, locals will be given the chance to immerse themselves in Indigenous culture by participating in NAIDOC themed activities, workshops and experiences.
The program kicks off this week with a hoodie competition where residents can go into a draw for a chance to win one of 70 NAIDOC themed hoodies. Entries close at 5pm on Sunday 2 July.
Children can also get in on the action through a NAIDOC themed Bush School and an interactive library talk with Darug Elder Chris Tobin, while seniors aged 65+, people with disability aged 18+ and their carers can enjoy a coach trip to Echo Point Lookout, craft workshops, a film day and the chance to win big at First Nations Bingo.
Residents will also have the opportunity to take a wander through the Warali Wali Trail along the Prospect Creek Cycleway, where they can listen to Darug Elder Aunty Leanne Tobin's audio reflections on the importance of Prospect Creek to Darug people while they view the new educational signage created by Leanne and Shay Tobin.
For more information about Council's NAIDOC Week program visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/naidoc-week
