A FULL program of community events has been planned to celebrate NAIDOC Week in Port Stephens this year.
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NAIDOC Week is a celebration of Indigenous history, culture and achievements.
It runs the first full week in July, which this year is between July 3 and 10.
Highlights of the Port’s 2016 NAIDOC Week program include a film screening, art show, smoking ceremony and a touch football competition.
The Port Stephens NAIDOC Touch Championship, now in its second year, will be held at Lakeside Sports Complex in Raymond Terrace.
Port Stephens police, Williamtown RAAF, Port Stephens Council and members of the Aboriginal community will combine for the friendly July 7 championship event.
“This is something we want to do annually,” Port Stephens police Inspector Tony Townsend said.
“It’s not only about football, but bringing the community together. We think it [championship] is a good way to get to know each other, it’s a healthy activity and fun.”
Worimi won last year’s championship. After sailing through the day unbeaten, RAAF was downed in a tight contest in the final.
There will be men’s and mixed open division touch games playing a round robin tournament.
Not only for football fans, there will be children’s entertainment, PCYC information and refreshments available on the day.
Port Stephens Council, in partnership with the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, will run a series of community events including a march and morning tea in Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay.
The land council will again host its popular family fun day at Murrook Culture, which will wrap up the week.
Send your Port Stephens NAIDOC Week photos to ewatts@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
NAIDOC Week 2016 events
June 27 to July 25
Aboriginal art display at Raymond Terrace Library. Open from 9am six days a week.
Monday, July 4
Raymond Terrace NAIDOC Week march, smoking ceremony and flag raising
9am: Gather at the Raymond Terrace war memorial on the corner of Port Stephens Street and Jacaranda Avenue.
9.30am: March via Hunter, William and Sturgeon streets to Port Stephens Council’s administration building (116 Adelaide Street, Raymond Terrace).
10am: Smoking ceremony and flag raising in the council administration building’s forecourt.
10.30am: Free morning tea.
Wednesday, July 6
Nelson Bay march and community barbecue
9am: Gather at Nelson Bay Bowling Club’s car park on the corner of Dowling and Stockton streets.
9.30am: March to Apex Park via Stockton Street.
10am: Free barbecue and children’s entertainment at Apex Park, Nelson Bay.
Thursday, July 7
Touch football championship at Lakeside Sporting Complex, Raymond Terrace
8:30am: Staff and team meetings.
9am: Opening ceremony.
9:30am: Tap-off.
1pm: Plate and cup games.
2pm: Awards and presentations.
Film night at Raymond Terrace Library
6pm: Screening of Black Screen Indigenous short films that were created in a partnership with the National Film and Sound archive. Phone the library on 4980 0111 to book a spot.
Friday, July 8
Family fun day at Murrook Culture Centre
10am to 2pm: Free family fun day at Murrook Culture Centre, Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown. There will be a barbecue, children’s activities, an Oakvale Farm and Fauna World animal pen and jumping castles. Phone 4033 8802 for more information.
