Officially held from July 3 to 10, NAIDOC Week is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and provides a great opportunity to get involved in activities that recognise and celebrate our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Cessnock’s NAIDOC Week program includes art exhibitions, workshops, library activities and two family fun days.

These include the ‘Songlines Print Project’ and the ‘Tell Me Your Story’ exhibitions at the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery.

Songlines features the works of local Aboriginal artists Saretta Fielding, Justin Ridgeway and Lesley Salem alongside master printer James Whitington from Crown Street Press, on exhibition until July 24.

Tell Me Your Story is an exhibition of works from those who participated in CatholicCare's Cessnock Youth and Family Art and Culture Program.

The gallery will also host a special event on Friday, July 8 – the unveiling and dedication of the Les Elvin Education Room, in recognition of the late Aboriginal artist’s contribution to the Cessnock community.

Barkuma Neighbourhood Centre will hold its family fun day at Rotary Park, Kurri on Tuesday, July 5.

The day will include a flag raising ceremony, stalls, entertainment and a barbecue, from 10am to 2pm.

Black Creek Aboriginal Corporation’s family fun day will be held at the Cessnock TAFE grounds on Saturday, July 9 from 10am to 2pm.

It will feature a traditional dancers, food stalls, rides and a performance by Australian hip-hop legends The Last Kinection.

Cessnock’s full NAIDOC Week program and details can be found in the ‘What’s On’ calendar on Cessnock Council’s website, www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au.