NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, which was formed in 1991 when the committee originally known as NADOC expanded to include Torres Strait Islander people and culture in its celebrations.

The event’s origins can be traced back to 1940, when a day of mourning known as Aborigines Day was held on the Sunday before Australia Day.

Aborigines Day was moved to the first Sunday in July in 1955, when it was decided the day should become not simply a protest day but also a celebration of Aboriginal culture.

In 1956, NADOC formed and in that year, the second Sunday in July became a day of remembrance for Aboriginal people and their heritage. It become a week-long event in 1974.

While NAIDOC Week 2018 officially runs from July 8 to 15, Cessnock’s program kicked off a little earlier, with a spectacular sold-out matinee performance of Stolen by Jane Harrison on June 12, and will run through to July 25.

This year’s theme is Because Of Her We Can, celebrating the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made, and continue to make to communities, history and families.

The NAIDOC Week Art Trail is a new addition to the program in Cessnock. Cessnock Regional Art Gallery, Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre, Kurri Kurri and Cessnock Libraries and council’s administration building will be displaying NAIDOC Week-themed art projects from July 6 to August 12.

Kiray Putjung Aboriginal Corporation will host its NAIDOC Week awards night at East Cessnock Bowling Club on Friday, June 22, and a street parade and family fun day in the TAFE park on Saturday, July 7.

Barkuma’s family fun day will be hosted at a new venue – Binarri Jinama-Gu, on Old Maitland Road, Sawyers Gully – on Tuesday, July 10.

Other highlights of the NAIDOC Week program art workshops, local history talks, basket weaving classes and bush tucker cooking sessions.

Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent encourages the local community to check out the program and join the festivities.

“As always it is incredible to see the fantastic range of activities that NAIDOC Week provides,” Cr Pynsent said.

“It is great to see community involvement growing each year, this is an opportunity to have some fun, get involved, and learn about local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.”

See the full program here.

Friday, June 22

Kiray Putjung Aboriginal Corporation NAIDOC Week Awards Night – East Cessnock Bowling Club, 6.30pm start. Tickets $40 adults/$10 children under-10. Call 0403 066 499 for more information.

Saturday, June 16, 23 and 30

Art workshops for young people and their families with Wonnarua artists Lesley Salem and Madeline Jackman – Cessnock Youth Centre, 10am-2pm. Call 4993 4355 for details.

Tuesday, July 3 

Intergenerational Aboriginal Art Workshop – Kurri Kurri Library, 5pm-6pm, $5 per person. Bookings essential; call the library on 4937 1638.

Wednesday, July 4 

Intergenerational Aboriginal Art Workshop – Cessnock Library, 5pm-6pm, $5 per person. Bookings essential; call the library on 4993 4399.

Thursday, July 5

Cultural Treasures of Wollombi – a talk by Leanne King at Cessnock Library, 5.30pm-6.30pm.

Friday, July 6

‘Gathering Stories’ exhibition opens at Cessnock Regional Art Gallery, featuring portraits of inspirational women and other artworks by Lesley Salem, Saretta Fielding, Tamika Elvin and Aunty Cynthia. Runs until August 12.

July 6-August 12

NAIDOC Week Art Trail – Cessnock Regional Art Gallery, Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre, Kurri Kurri and Cessnock Libraries, and Council Administration Building.

Saturday, July 7

Family history workshop – Cessnock Library, 10am-12pm.

Kiray Putjung Aboriginal Corporation NAIDOC family fun day and street parade – Cessnock TAFE Park, 10am-2pm. Flag raising, street parade, music, culture, workshops, stalls, food and kids’ activities.

Monday, July 9

Basket weaving workshop – Cessnock Library, 11am-12.30pm, $5 per person. Bookings essential; call Cessnock Library on 4993 4399.

Tuesday, July 10

Barkuma’s NAIDOC Family Fun Day – New location: ‘Binarri Jinama-Gu’ (1075 Old Maitland Road, Sawyers Gully), 10am-2pm. Call 4937 1094 for more information.

Koori Cook-Off – Kurri Kurri Hospital, 10am. Come along and learn some new recipes, and try some surprising ingredients. (Check out last year’s event here).

NAIDOC Storytime – Cessnock Library, 10am-10.45am. For kids aged 2-6.

Wednesday, July 11

NAIDOC Storytime – Kurri Kurri Library, 10am-10.45am. For kids aged 2-6.

Basket weaving workshop – Kurri Kurri Library, 2pm-3.30pm, $5 per person. Bookings essential; call the library on 4937 1638.

Native plant giveaway at Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Libraries. Present your library card to receive one free native plant per household. While stocks last.

Thursday, July 12

Bush Tukka Cooking for Young People – Cessnock Youth Centre, 11am-2pm. Bookings essential; call 4993 4355.

Wednesday, July 25

Stanford Merthyr Infants School boys’ dance group performance – Kurri Kurri Library, 2pm.