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Friday July 04 2008, Media Release

Listen, Learn - Enjoy, NAIDOC Week a time for all Australians

NAIDOC Week, which begins on Sunday, is a time for all Australians to join together to celebrate Australia’s unique Aboriginal culture, the Chair of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council, Ms Bev Manton, said today.

“Nearly every significantly sized community throughout the State will be hosting
functions to celebrate NAIDOC Week,” Ms Manton added.

“It really is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to celebrate the richness and diversity of Aboriginal culture.

“It’s also a time to reflect on the past, present and future.”

Ms Manton said it was appropriate to reflect on the words of the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, in his apology to the Stolen Generations, that the future should be a future…..“based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility”.

This year the NAIDOC Week celebrations would be held from Sunday, July 6 to Sunday,July 13.

“It is already true that NAIDOC activities are not limited to the Aboriginal community, but are held also in increasing of government agencies, schools, local councils and individual workplaces.

“We want this fact to expand - significantly.”

“These activities and celebrations help more Australians gain an awareness of our culture and a greater understanding of our issues.”

“I encourage all Australians to find out what’s happening in their area as part of NAIDOC Week and to join in the celebrations, which recognize and respect Australia’s Aboriginal culture and people.”

Ms Manton said that the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council and the Land Council network are proud to support NAIDOC Week.

“It is appropriate that Australia is able to celebrate its unique Aboriginal culture. It is
something of which we can all be proud”.