NAIDOC Week is held nationally and celebrates Indigenous culture and the Indigenous contribution to modern Australia. NAIDOC originally stood for 'National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee' which was once responsible for organising national celebrations and recognition events over a week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself.

The local Indigenous event will be held on Thursday, July 9 at Rotary Park, Kurri.

The celebration will start with an official ceremony at 10am which will include performances by local Indigenous dancers and a didgeridoo player in addition to the raising of the Indigenous, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags. A diverse range of stalls, activities and performances will be on offer throughout the day.

“The theme for 2009 NAIDOC Week is ‘Honouring Our Elders, Nurturing Our Youth’,” said Barkuma Neighbourhood Centre Chief Executive Officer, Deb Dacey. “It is a great opportunity for everyone in the community to come together and celebrate our local Indigenous culture.”

For more information regarding the NAIDOC celebrations contact Natalie Drage at Cessnock City Council on 4993 4300.