Celebrate NAIDOC Week 2012 in the Hastings

Port Macquarie-Hastings residents are invited to participate in a host of activities planned to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2012.

NAIDOC Week, is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians.  This year's theme celebrates, "Sprit of the Tent City: 40 years on". 

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, NAIDOC Committee and Bearlay Aboriginal Interagency have arranged a packed schedule of events to celebrate throughout the week. 

A flag raising ceremony and Welcome to Country on Town Green at 9.30am Monday, 2 July will officially launch NAIDOC Week in the Hastings.

Administrator Neil Porter encouraged residents to attend the special occasion and embrace the opportunity to be involved.  

"Here in the Hastings we have a rich Aboriginal heritage and NAIDOC Week provides the opportunity to recognise the valued place and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our region," Mr Porter said.  

Council's Aboriginal Community Development and Liaison Officer Kelly O'Brien said celebrations will continue throughout the week.  One particular event will occur on Thursday, 5 July with a free family fun day at Bourne House. 

"The day will be packed with lots of fun, including didgeridoo and traditional dance performances, bush tucker tastings and a BBQ lunch, and this is a great outing for the family during the school holidays," Ms O'Brien said. 

Stall holders will also be on hand to provide information about local community services and there will be plenty for the children with a jumping castle, face painting, interactive games and much more.

To celebrate Aboriginal contributions to the Arts, the Glasshouse will host a series of free Aboriginal film screenings on Tuesday, 3 July and Friday, 6 July.  The feature film, Here I Am is an endearing story from writer-director Beck Cole about an Aboriginal woman trying to pick up the shattered pieces of what has so far been a wasted life.

The Glasshouse gallery will commemorate NAIDOC Week featuring the works of acclaimed Indigenous artist Tracey Moffatt during July. 

"At the Glasshouse this month we are fortunate to feature the works of some very talented artists and I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to attend some of the free events on show," Ms O'Brien said.  

NAIDOC Week begins Sunday, 1 July.  A full schedule of events can be found on Council's website at -  www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/NAIDOC