Council is excited to announce its NAIDOC Week celebrations, set to take place on Friday, 26 July 2024, aligning with this year's theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’.
Council, in collaboration with local schools and the Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council (LDLALC), has organised a series of engaging events to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The celebrations will take place at the Leeton Visitor Information Centre on Friday, 26 July. The day's activities will commence at 10.00am with a Welcome to Country/Acknowledgement of Country by esteemed local elder William Ingram. This will be followed by a speech from Mayor Cr Tony Reneker at 10.10am. At 10.20am, the Parkview Public School Wiradjuri Dance Group will entertain attendees with a traditional dance performance. A poem recital is scheduled for 10.45am, leading into the flag-raising ceremony at 10.50am, conducted by Mayor Reneker and William Ingram. The morning's events will conclude with a morning tea at 11.00am, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and reflect on the significance of NAIDOC Week.
Mayor Cr Tony Reneker is looking forward to the upcoming celebrations, stating, "NAIDOC Week is a vital occasion for our community to come together and celebrate the great contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year's theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’, honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."
In addition to the events on 26 July, the LDLALC has planned further NAIDOC activities for later in the year, when the weather is more conducive to outdoor events. Details of these activities will be announced in due course.
Leeton Shire Council invites all community members to join in the NAIDOC Week celebrations and take part in acknowledging and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of our nation’s First Peoples.