National NAIDOC Week events are held across Australia in the first week of July each year from Sunday to Sunday, to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is a special time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions Indigenous Australians make to our country and society.
The 2023 National NAIDOC Week theme is For Our Elders.
Across every generation Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. They have paved the way for the paths we can now take, and guide us not only through generations of advocacy and activism but in everyday life and how to place ourselves in the world.
We draw strength from their knowledge and experience, in everything from land management and cultural knowledge to justice and human rights. Across multiple sectors like health, education, the arts, politics, and everything in between, they have set the many courses we follow.
It is their influence and through their learnings that we must ensure that when it comes to future decision-making for our people, there is nothing about us – without us.
Activities planned for Ballina Shire:
NAIDOC Week Community Family Day Byron Bay
Thursday, 06 July 2023 | 10am to 2pm
Activities include: Culture, Music, Dance, Sand art, Educational activities and a BBQ lunch.
16th Annual – Arakwal NAIDOC Film Screening
A selection of inspiring aboriginal storytelling celebrating this year’s theme For Our Elders.
The programme curated from Flickerfest favourites will take you on a special journey with some incredibly strong and powerful stories who’s compelling voices will inspire and delight.
Come along and enjoy these unique stories from incredible filmmakers championing Aboriginal stories and support the celebration of Aboriginal culture during NAIDOC Week.
This event is a fundraiser for the Arakwal Corp, held in partnership with Flickerfest & iQ Inc.
The 16th Arakwal NAIDOC Week Film Screening is on Tuesday 4 July at 6.30pm in the Byron Theatre.
Tuesday, July 4 at the Byron Theatre from 6.30pm. Tickets: byroncentre.com.au
NAIDOC Week Community Fun Day Mullum
The Mullum Neighbourhood Centre’s NAIDOC Week Community Fun Day is on Wednesday, July 5 from 11am to 3pm.
Enjoy activities such as: BBQ Lunch, Arts and Crafts Workshop,Weaving, Yarning Circle, Music, Dancing and more.
Activities planned for Ballina Shire:
ANNUAL CELEBRATION WALK – Monday 3 July meeting from 10am
The annual Celebration Walk starts from the Ballina RSL Club and proceeds along River Street to the Ballina Visitor Information Centre for the official flag raising ceremony and celebrations. Refreshments, BBQ, stalls, and games are staged in the carpark behind the Visitor Information Centre, and morning tea will be provided for community Elders in the Richmond Room.
BASKETBALL EVENT – Monday 3 July 12pm – 3pm
Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC)
Basketball NSW is thrilled to join forces with Indigenous Basketball Australia to host multiple free NAIDOC 3×3 Basketball Carnivals. This free event is open to players from Under 12’s to Opens with plenty of activities for children aged 4.5-9 years.
For more information visit bnsw.com.au/indigenous
SPORTS & STALLS DAY – Tuesday 4 July 10am – 3pm
Saunders Oval Ballina (BISC wet weather option)
Jarjums sports and stalls day with food, activities, sports, and performances.
SHORT FILM & MUSIC VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION
Wednesday 5 July from 11am
Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC)
Jali Community Launch with Music and Film production exhibition from the Cabbage Tree Island community.
DEADLY JARJUMS MOVIE NIGHT
Wednesday 5 July 4pm – 8pm – Southern Cross School
Cinema night for the jarjums featuring “Emu Runner”.
NRCG ELDERS MORNING TEA – Thursday 6 July from 11am
Ignite Studios
Morning tea for the Elders – The Commemorative Flood Recovery Project Community Art Exhibition at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery.
JALI COMMUNITY FETE – Thursday 6 July 11am – 3pm
Porter Park, West Ballina
Rides, games, and a BBQ lunch
BUNJUM ELDERS LUNCH – Friday 7 July from 12pm
Cherry Street Sports Club Lunch for the Elders
For more information on these and other activities planned for NAIDOC Week in Ballina Shire visit Council’s website ballina.nsw.gov.au/naidoc-week 2023
or discoverballina.com.au.
Tweed Shire events
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