This year NAIDOC will be celebrated in Forbes with a week full of celebrations.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The week aims to celebrate the rich history, amazing culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the community.
"We are so excited to partner with our local Indigenous group to celebrate this special week," Mayor of Forbes Shire Council, Phyllis Miller OAM, said.
"This year's theme is Voice Treaty Truth, and we invite the community to come together and acknowledge this wonderful culture and learn more about its history."
The Welcome to Country opening ceremony will take place at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre at 10am on Monday 16 September.
This will include traditional performers, arts and craft.
Later that evening there will be a screening of Bernie the Dolphin at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre from 7pm.
During the week, the local schools will host their own events.
"Getting the schools involved in this cultural education is so important," Mayor Miller said.
"Both Forbes High and Forbes Preschool will be holding events for their children to be involved in."
The official ceremony for NAIDOC, to be held on Wednesday, will be different this year with the march coming through town.
Everyone is asked to meet at Cross Street before 10am, with the march to commence at 10am down Lachlan Street and up to Victoria Park.
Celebrations will continue at the park where traditional performances, Indigenous games, arts and craft will be available to participate in and the whole community is welcome.
This year Yoorana Gunya will be presenting a cook-off competition inspired by traditional fare.
This should be an exciting opportunity to see the Koori cook-off trailer the locals have for a short time in action.
Official proceedings will be capped with the awards.
"The awards held as part of the official ceremony are always wonderful to witness," Mayor Miller says.
"With the major awards awarded for Forbes Indigenous Citizen of the Year, Indigenous Youth of the Year, Indigenous Sports Person and Indigenous Creative Person.
"It is always wonderful to hear about their amazing achievements."
On the Friday there will be closing ceremony at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre from 4pm - 7pm, closing out what will be a great week of culture and celebration.