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.
This year’s 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:
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
