Queenslanders celebrate 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week

Queenslanders will mark the 50^th anniversary of NAIDOC Week this week with celebrations taking place from Thursday Island to Toowoomba.

Stirling Hinchliffe, Parliamentary Secretary to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Warren Pitt, said this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations would tap into the past, present and future of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.

This year’s theme for NAIDOC Week, which will run from 8 to 15 July, is “50 Years: Looking Forward, Looking Blak”.

“NAIDOC Week is a time to come together to celebrate the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“I encourage all Queenslanders to find out what’s happening in their area as part of NAIDOC Week and to join in the celebrations, which recognise and respect Australia’s Indigenous culture and people.”

Mr Hinchliffe said the Department of Communities had provided $140,000 this year for community groups, schools and other organisations to stage events and activities throughout Queensland during NAIDOC Week.

“I am proud to support NAIDOC Week, which has become a significant cultural event helping to raise awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as well as supporting the process of reconciliation within Queensland,” he said.

“NAIDOC Week is a time to reflect on the progress and positive changes that have been made within Queensland’s Indigenous communities but, more importantly, it is a chance to reaffirm our commitment to equality for all Queenslanders.”

Mr Hinchliffe will officially launch this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations at Brisbane Square, George Street at noon today (Monday 9 July).

“The NAIDOC Week launch and community expo will be a great day out where you can enjoy traditional performances while celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,” he said.

“Another great NAIDOC Week event is the annual Musgrave Park Family Fun Day on Friday, 13 July, with lots of music and entertainment for everyone.”

NAIDOC, which originally referred to the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee, has since become the name of the week-long celebration which came about as the fight for Aboriginal rights started to gather pace in the 1920s and 1930s.

Media contacts: Stirling Hinchliffe 0418 983 654; Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280