Let’s celebrate NAIDOC Week!

Published on 16 October 2020

Image of NAIDOC Week 2020, pictured are member of Barkuma Neighbourhood Centre Kurri Kurri

Cessnock City Council is proud to have worked with the local community to present the NAIDOC Week 2020 program for everyone to enjoy.  

NAIDOC Week is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and provides a great opportunity to recognise, enjoy and learn about these cultures in our local community.

The theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week is ‘Always Was. Always Will Be’. This theme recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.

Celebrations are normally held in July each year, however due to COVID-19 they will take place from Sunday 8 to Sunday 15 November. The local program looks a little different to previous years to ensure the safety of all involved.

Contributions by young people are a highlight of this year’s program. The NAIDOC Week Student Art Exhibition will showcase student work responding to this year’s theme.  The exhibition will be on display from Monday 2 to Friday 20 November at Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Libraries.

Aboriginal Education Team students from Mt View High School and Kurri Kurri High School have been working with Council’s Cessnock Youth Centre and Outreach Service (CYCOS) and Central Hunter Community Radio (2CHR) to produce radio broadcasts going to air during the week. Be sure to tune in to 96.5FM to listen.

The Cessnock Chambers of Commerce is also hosting a special NAIDOC Week business breakfast on Tuesday 10 November, with guest speakers from Ngarralingayil Barker School and Korreil Wonnai Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.

Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent said this year’s activities provides an opportunity for the community to come together.

“While some of our key events can’t happen this year, I still encourage the local community to get involved and learn about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.”

A copy of the program is available online here.


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