Port Stephens Council and Worimi Aboriginal Land Council will host community events that celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Indigenous Australians in Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay during NAIDOC Week, running July 4-11.

"Last year, we held a virtual ceremony with only a few representatives because of COVID-19 restrictions. While it was important to still mark the occasion, it definitely wasn't the same," Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said.

"This year, I'm really looking forward to welcoming back our community to come together, have some fun and to reflect on what NAIDOC Week means."

The PCYC Nations of Origin tournament being held in Salamander Bay and Nelson Bay on June 29 and 30 will act as a precursor to NAIDOC Week in Port Stephens which will kick off with a flag raising ceremony and barbecue breakfast in Raymond Terrace on July 5.

The ceremony, held annually, will be staged in the courtyard of Port Stephens Council's administration building in Raymond Terrace from 8.30am.

As well as a free barbecue brekkie, the event will include a screening of Aboriginal Dreaming videos and cultural activities.

The forecourt will be yarn bombed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands colours, all knitted by council employees and community volunteers.

Back this year will be Worimi Aboriginal Land Council's family fun day. This year the event will be staged along the Nelson Bay foreshore, running 10am to 2pm on July 7.

A highlight of the Port's NAIDOC Week program will be the special screening of the documentary Grave Injustice at Raymond Terrace Library from 5.30pm on July 8, which will be followed by a Q&A with Gumbangerri sisters Zona Kelly and Diane Ball OAM.

The documentary follows the Kelly family on their five year struggle to find their infant 'lost' brother Michael and their journey to have him exhumed and reburied on country. Tickets are free but bookings, by phoning the library, are essential.

This year's NAIDOC Week theme is Heal Country! It calls for greater protections for lands, waters, sacred sites and cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration and destruction.

"With the desecration of hugely significant sites at a national level, it's an important reminder that we need to work together as we plan for the future of Port Stephens to ensure we protect the valuable cultural significance of many sites," Cr Palmer said.

"This is something Port Stephens Council has been working on over many years in conjunction with the local Worimi and Karuah Aboriginal Land Councils, and I'm proud of the strong relationship we have created as a result."

Monday, July 5: Raymond Terrace flag raising and breakfast

Join Port Stephens Council from 8.30am for the annual flag raising and smoking ceremony to mark the start of NAIDOC Week. This will be followed by a free breakfast for attendees, screening of Aboriginal Dreaming videos and cultural activities. The forecourt will be yarn bombed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands colours.

Wednesday, July 7: Nelson Bay Family Fun Day

10am to 2pm at Nelson Bay Foreshore park.

Thursday, July 8: NAIDOC Week Storytime and Craft at Tomaree Library and Community Centre

Join library staff for a special storytime from 10.30am-11.15am and then leave your teddy or special toy with us for a sleep-over. Pick up on Wednesday 30 June anytime after 10.30am. Suitable for ages 3-8. Tickets are free but bookings are essential. Phone 4988 0670 to book.

Thursday, July 8: Documentary screening at Raymond Terrace Library

Michael's Lore: Grave Injustice. Screening 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Raymond Terrace Library. Tickets are free but bookings are essential. Phone 4988 0111 to book.