NSWALC takes action in accord with  National NAIDOC Week theme

July 6, 2009

NSWALC had already taken major initiatives to implement this year's NAIDOC Week theme  of "Honouring our Elders, Nurturing our Youth," its Chairperson, Bev Manton said today.

"We have begun the process of establishing both Elders and Youth Advisory Councils.

"This is an important initiative."

Chairperson Manton said while NSWALC had achieved a significant increase in Land Council membership in recent years - with over 60 percent of members being women -  it believed it was appropriate to appoint both youth and elders advisory bodies.

"NAIDOC Week is becoming increasingly significant each year.  There are even celebrations overseas in countries such as America and Japan.

"NAIDOC, established in 1957, celebrates and promotes understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with a week of community-based events including flag-raising ceremonies, concerts, religious services, art, sporting events and family days.

"It actively involves Governments at national, state and local levels, non-Government organizations and churches as well as Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians".

Chairperson Manton said NAIDOC Week celebrations carried forward the spirit of those magnificent reconciliation marches which were supported by hundreds of thousands of ordinary Australians in four capital cities and many regional centres.

"NAIDOC Week is now a firmly established part of Australia's annual celebrations. It   brings together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians to celebrate a culture and heritage which has survived for at least 50,000 years.

"I urge all Australians to take advantage of the many local opportunities to gain an appreciation of their nation's oldest culture - to learn, share and join in."