THE history of NAIDOC and the Worimi people in Port Stephens was the focus at Monday's official opening ceremony to kick off the week of celebrations.
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A march through Raymond Terrace, a smoking ceremony at Port Stephens Council's administration building, the raising of the flags and breakfast was held on July 6, the first day of NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC Week is a celebration of indigenous history, culture and achievements.
John Ridgeway, known to many as Uncle John, made the welcome to country before the smoking ceremony was performed to the sound of a didgeridoo.
"Raymond Terrace is one of many places our ancestors roamed and lived by the banks of the Hunter River," Mr Ridgeway said.
Councillor Paul Le Mottee spoke on behalf of the council and Andrew Smith for the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Mr Smith said 2015 was the 10th year that there had been a raising of the flags ceremony held at Port Stephens Council in Raymond Terrace.
"That's an excellent milestone here in Port Stephens," he said.
Mr Smith spoke on the themes for this year's NAIDOC celebrations - learn, respect and celebrate, and how important it was for people to spend time with "knowledge keepers", Aboriginal elders, and the challenges indigenous people have faced and continue to face today.
"We're celebrating Aboriginal culture today, but it hasn't always been this way," he said.
A family fun day at the Murrook Culture Centre on Friday will wrap up NAIDOC Week events in Port Stephens.
EARLIER:
NAIDOC Week activities in Port Stephens kicked off on Monday with a march through Raymond Terrace, a small ceremony and breakfast.
At Port Stephens Council’s administration building in Raymond Terrace on Monday, Uncle John Ridgeway OAM officially opened NAIDOC Week - a celebration of Indigenous history, culture and achievements - in the Worimi Nation.
His address was followed by a smoking ceremony performed by Lee Ridgeway, done to the sound of a didgeridoo.
Councillor Paul Le Mottee spoke on behalf of the council and Andrew Smith for the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Mr Smith said 2015 was the 10th year that there had been a raising of the flags ceremony held at Port Stephens Council in Raymond Terrace.
‘‘That’s an excellent milestone here in Port Stephens,’’ he said.
NAIDOC Week runs from Monday, July 6 to Friday, July 10.
Also read: NAIDOC Week a busy one
NAIDOC WEEK 2015 EVENTS
Monday, July 6
8.30am: Gather in Riverside Park, Raymond Terrace.
9am: March Via Hunter, William and Sturgeon streets to the Port Stephens Council’s administration building.
9.20am: Smoking ceremony and flag raising.
9.45am: Free breakfast.
Wednesday, July 8
9am: March form up at Nelson Bay Bowling Club.
10am: March to Apex Park via Donald Street.
10.15am: Flag raising ceremony at Apex Park.
11am: Opening of the Raymond Terrace YMCA Aboriginal art display space for community members. Sturgeon Street, Raymond Terrace. There will be artists at the opening to chat with.
6pm: Bran Nue Day film screening at Raymond Terrace Library. Bookings essential by phoning 4980 0111.
Thursday, July 9
8am: Touch football teams and staff to meet at Lakeside Sporting Complex.
8.30am: Opening ceremony.
10am: Tap off for the touch football tournament between Aboriginal community, Port Stephens Council, RAAF Base Williamtown and Emergency services.
3pm: Awards and presentations.
3pm: Paul Callaghan, author of Iridescence: Finding Your Colours and Living Your Story, will talk about the history of Naidoc and the importance of dreaming to Aboriginal culture at Raymond Terrace Library. Bookings essential by phoning 4980 0111.
Friday, July 10
10am: Family fun day starts at Murrook Culture Centre, Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown.