NAIDOC Week 2020 to be a ‘Virtual’ Celebration

NAIDOC Week 2020 in Coffs Harbour will once again celebrate the invaluable contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to our community, our history and to our nation, but this year most events will be ‘virtual’ due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite the national NAIDOC Week being postponed until 8-15 November, I’d like to congratulate the Coffs Harbour and District Local Aboriginal Land Council, the Ready Mob, Galambila Aboriginal Corporation and the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee for creating a fabulous program of online activities and events to mark this important time locally,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Denise Knight.

“This is the 15th year that Coffs Harbour City Council will be marking the national NAIDOC week celebrations – and recognising the official dates and the 15-year anniversary is an important community event.

“Although the format will be different because of COVID-19, I’m looking forward to showing Council’s ongoing support at the Official Community Flag Raising Ceremony and Morning Tea at Council’s Chambers on Monday, 6 July, and I’d urge everyone in the community to go online to join in with this year’s ceremony and all the celebrations.”

This year’s NAIDOC Week Official Flag Raising event will be LIVE STREAMED on Council’s MyCoffs Connect Facebook page – www.facebook.com/mycoffsconnect Tune in from 9:55am on Monday 6 July to mark the opening of the week. A varied two-week program of online events has been curated by the Coffs Harbour and District Local Aboriginal Lands Council which will run from 6-17 July.

The fortnight includes bush tucker cookery classes, yarning sessions, film-making and editing workshops, Gumbaynggirr language lessons and storytime, job and health advice, art, rap and poetry classes, a quiz and much more.

For more information on all the events, go to https://coffsharbourlalc.com.au/garlambirla-virtual-cultural-community-activities-%f0%9f%a5%b0/.