NAIDOC Week will celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isl
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The annual celebrations of NAIDOC Week will begin this week, with activities and events planned across the Shire to acknowledge the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Livingstone Shire Council will join the Capricorn Coast Indigenous Mob Inc. to launch Livingstone Shire’s National 2019 NAIDOC Week, with this year’s theme titled, ‘Voice. Treaty. Truth.’
2019 is also being celebrated as the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages. These languages have passed down lore, culture and knowledge for over millennia. Darumbal Elder and spokesperson Aunty Sally Vea Vea from the Capricorn Coast Indigenous Mob Inc. said NAIDOC Week is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.
“This week is a great opportunity for our entire community to come together and participate in a range of activities while supporting our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” Aunty Sally said.
“CCIM would like to thank all of the businesses and organisations that have provided great support in making our upcoming events possible.” Supporters include; Darumbal Enterprises, Gawula Aboriginal Land Trust, The Real Group, Fitzroy Basin Association, CQUniversity, Sandhills Community Sports and Social Club, Capricorn Coast Sand and Soil; and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, Emu Park Bendigo Community Bank, Joes Removals, Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Mayor Bill Ludwig said Council is extremely proud to once again be facilitating, supporting and partnering in this year’s events with the traditional Darumbal and Woppaburra owners, as our community celebrates and highlights the important contributions of rich history and culture of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“NAIDOC Week celebrations are a hugely important event in Livingstone’s annual calendar and Council encourages the community to take part in the activities,” Mayor Ludwig said.
Deputy Mayor Nigel Hutton said as part of the week-long celebrations, there will be a special Sea Country Cruise this year, as well as the official opening in Yeppoon on Monday 8 July.
“NAIDOC celebrations will culminate on Saturday July 13 July at Keppel Sands with a Walk and Family Fun Day starting at 10am meeting at the beachfront, followed by a special smoking ceremony, dancers, music, Cooberrie Park animal display, activities and more throughout the day in Mabel Edmund Park,” Cr Hutton said.
On the Capricorn Coast, the traditional owners are the Darumbal people and the Woppaburra people who inhabited Great Keppel and North Keppel islands.
For more information on the local NAIDOC Week events, go to https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/1464/NAIDOC-2018
NAIDOC Week Livingstone Shire 2019 Events
Yeppoon – Official Opening •Monday 8 July 10am: Walk from old railway station to Yeppoon Foreshore •11.30am: Flag Raising, guest speaker (Erin Shawcross – OIC Yeppoon Police) •12noon: Sausage Sizzle
Sea Country Cruise •Wednesday 10 July: Cruise local Sea Country •Bookings essential, contact [email protected] or Gabriella on 0488 532 859
Keppel Sands •Saturday 13 July 10am: Walk from Keppel Sands foreshore to Keppel Sands State School •11.30am: Family Fun Day at Mabel Edmund Park including Welcome to Country, music, Cooberrie Park animal display, miniature horses, activities, stalls and food.