Queensland lights up to celebrate NAIDOC Week

Key Queensland landmarks from Cairns to Brisbane, including the iconic Story Bridge, will be lit up in the symbolic colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from today, to herald the start of NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt said it was the first time the Story Bridge had been illuminated in recognition of NAIDOC Week.

“The ‘Light up Queensland’ program is a highly visible and vibrant way to encourage Queenslanders to join in NAIDOC week celebrations this week, running from July 3-10,” he said.

“As part of these celebrations we are lighting up key Queensland landmarks in the NAIDOC colours of red, yellow, green and blue – which were chosen to represent the Aboriginal culture, with green and blue broadly representing the Torres Strait Islander culture. 

“In Brisbane, we’ll be lighting up key bridges, including the Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge and the Donna Marcus Steam sculpture balls at Reddacliff Place.

“We’ll also be lighting up the Toowoomba Outer Circulating Road, the Civic Precinct Fountain in Mackay and the Cairns City Library.”

Each year during NAIDOC Week Queensland celebrates the rich and diverse culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – the First Australians.

“This year, we want all Queenslanders to connect, contribute and celebrate by participating in their local NAIDOC Week celebrations,” Mr Pitt said.

“The theme for 2016, Songlines - The living narrative of our nation, highlights the significant spiritual and cultural connection the many Aboriginal nations and Torres Strait Islander groups have to the knowledge, languages, customs, ceremonies and Lore of their ancestors.

“NAIDOC presents us all with an opportunity to learn more about the culture of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people, to get involved in their local communities and to connect with a significant part of our past, present and future.

“The Palaszczuk Government is supporting a raft of exciting and fun community events across Queensland for NAIDOC Week.

“NAIDOC Week celebrations and community events are a great opportunity for all Queenslanders to come together and share in this wonderful week.”

For a full 2016 NAIDOC program including a statewide calendar of events and online resources visit: www.datsip.qld.gov.au/naidoc

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