Snowy Valleys Celebrates NAIDOC Week 2018

Published on 03 July 2018

Snowy Valleys Council is inviting the whole community to join in marking the start of NAIDOC week on Monday 9 July at flag raising ceremonies in Tumut and Tumbarumba.

NAIDOC Week 2018 is a national celebration that runs from 8 July – 15 July.  The theme for this year is Because of Her, We Can – an acknowledgement of the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in communities around the country.

A flag raising ceremony will be held at 10.00am in Tumut at the Brungle Tumut Local Aboriginal Lands Council, followed by morning tea and the official opening of the ‘Because of Her, We Can’ Art Exhibition from 10.30am at the Tumut Library.

A flag raising ceremony and afternoon tea will also be held in Tumbarumba starting at 3.00pm at the Snowy Valleys Council Chambers on Bridge Street.

In celebration of NAIDOC week the Tumut Library will also be hosting a special evening on Wednesday 11 July from 6.30pm, featuring the local Indigenous singing group, graduates of the CSU Wiradjuri language class and special guest speaker Olympic Gold medalist Nova Peris.

Children’s Indigenous art, craft, language and story time sessions are also happening across the Snowy Valleys library branches to celebrate NAIDOC week.

Mayor, James Hayes, said NAIDOC Week, which celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, is always well supported in the Snowy Valleys.

“I look forward to celebrating NAIDOC Week this year and encourage everyone to take some time to reflect on the history of the traditional people of the Snowy Valleys area, and celebrate their culture,” Mayor Hayes said.

A range of other activities are also occurring in the community, including a smoking ceremony and spiritual service, community BBQ and family day. Anyone interested in these events are encouraged to contact Cooee Cottage for more information.