Orange NAIDOC Week chair Gerald Power said excitement was building for the launch of Orange’s annual Indigenous celebrations, which begin on Friday.
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While Orange’s NAIDOC Week is conducted outside of the national one – held in July – Mr Power said it was one of the largest programs.
“NAIDOC week in Orange is important because it is about coming together to share our culture,” he said.
This year’s theme is ‘Because of her we can’, and it’s to shine a light on the work the wonderful women in our community do.
- Orange NAIDOC Week chair Gerald Power
“Orange has been a resettlement town for quite some time, and many different Aboriginal Nations come together here on Wiradjuri land.
“This is about reconciliation and sharing our culture with the broader community.”
Orange mayor Reg Kidd said the program, which included events scheduled until next Saturday, was inclusive.
“In terms of the number of activities and the number of people participating, it is certainly up there with one of the city’s biggest events,” Cr Kidd said.
“I’m calling on everyone in the community to check out the program and participate in the annual NAIDOC march, check out the amazing talent from the region’s school kids at the NAIROC festival and bring the kids out for the family fun day on Sunday.”
Mr Power said the “crowning jewel” of Orange’s NAIDOC Week was the community awards night next Saturday.
“It’s where we honour and celebrate our local achievers,” Mr Power said.
“This year’s theme is ‘Because of her we can’, and it’s to shine a light on the work the wonderful women in our community do.
“We don’t often put women up on a pedestal and truly recognise and thank them. Let’s get together, celebrate culture and honour the women in our community.”
WHAT’S ON THE PROGRAM?
The schedule of events for Orange NAIDOC Week celebrations:
- OPEN DAY AT ORANGE ABORIGINAL MEDICAL SERVICE: Friday, 10am-2pm,27-31 Perc Griffith Way. Free haircuts from Walkabout Barber Brian Dowd, free barbecue breakfast and lunch, musical entertainment by Lueth Ajak, cultural dance performances from Clontarf and Galumaay.
- NAIDOC LADIES NIGHT OUT: Friday, 7pm-10pm, Orange Ex-Services’ Club. A great night for the ladies filled with fun, food and laughter.
- NAIDOC WEEK FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND EXHIBITION: Saturday, 9am-2pm, Orange regional Museum. Join in family-friendly weaving and ochre painting activities.
- NAIDOC FAMILY FUN DAY: 11am-3pm, Sunday, Northcourt near the library. Bring your family along and relax to music karaoke and have fun in the jumping castle. Elders tent with indigenous activities. Free barbecue.
- NAI-ROC SCHOOL EISTEDDFOD: 9am-2:30pm, Wednesday, Orange Function Centre. NAIROC is an eisteddfod held for school students and day care centres/pre-schools which encourages the participation of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students.
- NAIDOC COMMUNITY AWARDS NIGHT: 5pm-10pm, Saturday, November 3, Orange Ex-Services’ Club. Cost is $50. Come along to celebrate and honour our local achievers at the 16th annual Orange NAIDOC Community Awards night.
