An important week of celebration invites everyone to take part in supporting the history, culture and achievements of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Commencing on 4 July, National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee Week (NAIDOC Week) promises something for everyone with a range of activities and events to help commemorate this years national theme ‘Spirit of the Tent Embassy: 40 Years On’.NAIDOC dates back to the 1920s, and was established to raise awareness within wider communities of the status and treatment of Aboriginal Australians. 

Today, it is a week long celebration, including activities such as a Flag Raising Ceremony and presentations on the Monday, concluding on Friday with a free barbeque lunch, basket weaving and a special guest performance by Kucha Edwards. All visitors and local residents are encouraged to come along to the events held throughout the Bendigo region in Epsom, California Gully and Huntly. 

A traditional Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, didgeridoo playing and a presentation of the history of the Tent Embassy followed by an afternoon tea, all help to launch NAIDOC Week’s festivities on Monday 2 July. The Bendigo NAIDOC Week activities have been organised by the Bendigo NAIDOC Committee, supported by North Central Catchment Management Authority, Parks Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment, and the Department of Primary Industries. 

More information about the week’s events can be found at www.nccma.vic.gov.au. 

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au