intouch Magazine
- Jun 27, 2023

Celebrating NAIDOC Week in Port Stephens, For Our Elders

Family fun days will be at the heart of NAIDOC Week Celebrations this year, paying homage to Indigenous Elders and the role they play in our communities.

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The week is celebrated by Australians from all walks of life.

Mayor Ryan Palmer says NAIDOC week is a great opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the valuable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to Port Stephens, particularly Indigenous Elders.

“This year, the NAIDOC week theme pays tribute to the knowledge and experience Indigenous Elders have, and how they harness this to help guide younger generations,” Mayor Palmer said.

“They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, and nurturers, for their families and their wider community.

“Elders are the heads of their families, and this year’s focus on family friendly events helps to bring everyone together for a day of fun and celebration,” he added.

The Port Stephens NAIDOC week celebrations are starting early, on Thursday 29 June, allowing local Indigenous students to attend and participate before the school holidays begin. Events will begin with a flag raising ceremony and march from 9:30am, followed by a family fun day at Riverside Park, Raymond Terrace.

Come and join the NAIDOC Week events to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Port Stephens: Thursday 29 June Raymond Terrace NAIDOC Week opening and Fun Day

9:30am – Flag raising and speeches
10am – March down William Street
10:30am – Community day at Riverside Park including BBQ and Kooriokee

Monday 3 July Murrook Family Fun Day

10am to 2pm – Activities and entertainment

Tuesday 4 July Kaurah Family Fun Day

10am to 12.30pm – Activities, entertainment, cultural games and BBQ
Karuah Hall: Mustons Road, Karuah

Wednesday 5 July Nelson Bay Fun Day

9:30am – March down Stockton Street
10am – Family fun day Nelson Bay Foreshore

Koori Colours Clay Class with Jason Russell

10am to 12pm at the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre
Come along to the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre for an intimate sculpting class with Worimi artist Jason Russell, from Koori Colours. Jason will show you how to make your very own coolamon, using air dry clay.
All ages welcome. Young children must be supervised by an adult.
Cost: Free

There are only 20 places available. Please call the VIC on 4988 0900 to secure a place. Thursday 6 July Coolamon making workshop @ Your Library Coolamons were traditionally used to carry water, fruits and nuts, as well as to cradle babies. Come along and create your own coolamon from clay.

10am to 12pm: Tomaree Library
2pm to 4pm: Raymond Terrace Library
For ages 7 to 13 years
Cost: Free

Bookings are essential. Contact your preferred Library to secure your place.

Raymond Terrace 4988 0111 or Tomaree 4988 0670.

This National NAIDOC Week Activity is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency.