AU – NAIDOC Week Celebrations in Lake Cargelligo

NAIDOC Week is a time for the indigenous Australians to celebrate their history, culture and achievements. This longstanding event, held in the first week of July, has gathered pace, not just in the indigenous communities, but also in government agencies, schools, local councils and workplaces.  Australians from all walks of life now recognise the integral role Indigenous people play in our community.

This year the Lake Cargelligo members of the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) had the chance to be involved in NAIDOC by hosting two community BBQ’s, serving sausages, onion, coleslaw and gravy with fresh bread.  The first was held on Friday 3rd July 2015 at the local park, and second at the Murrin Bridge Mission on Tuesday 7th July. Each occasion was a great success and enjoyed by all who attended.

The Murrin Bridge Mission NAIDOC celebration included speeches, a smoking ceremony, music, singing, organised walks for the youth and the elders with prizes to be won, local talent art displays and face painting.

It was a relaxed and happy atmosphere with over 100 locals enjoying the tasty lunch, relaxing in the warm sun and listening to Lawrence Barlow strumming his guitar and singing country ballads.

It was an honour being present at the celebrations and RRT was impressed with the respect the Indigenous people have for their elders.

The RRT members who attended the event witnessed the valuable contribution of the indigenous youth and were encouraged at the opportunity available these days for this demographic in terms of careers. They are as inspiring as the life goals they are setting for themselves and their focus is on a bright future.

The RRT are concerned for the welfare of the Indigenous Australians and aim to be supportive and compassionate. We hope we will be privileged to provide further assistance and support in future events and celebrations.

NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself    http://www.naidoc.org.au/about