Three organisations in Gippsland will receive Federal Government funding to support their NAIDOC Week celebrations next week.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has announced the organisations which successfully secured funding through the 2018 NAIDOC Week grants round.
The local recipients of NAIDOC Week grants are:
• Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative (GEGAC), which has been allocated $2000 to support the Bairnsdale NAIDOC Week Parade. This year, the parade is hoped to feature a fabricated pelican to share the creation story of the Gunai Kurnai people;
• Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation, which has received $3000 to recognise women as pillars of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander society at flag raising ceremonies and at its NAIDOC Week ball; and
• Morwell’s Parklands Preschool Committee, which has secured $500 to work with an Indigenous artist who will create a giant mural with the students.
“Local events have a significant role in educating and celebrating NAIDOC week each year and I am glad the Federal Government is able to support these events,” Mr Chester said.
“The National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is an annual celebration of the histories, rich cultures, outstanding achievements and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“I encourage all members of the community to attend a local event to celebrate and learn more about the culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
NAIDOC Week will be held from July 8 to 15. The theme Because of her, we can! celebrates the invaluable and continuing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
The Coalition Government’s $1.4 million 2018 NAIDOC Week grants package will support a variety of events nationwide, including sporting events, cultural showcases and school activities.
To find out more about NAIDOC Week, visit naidoc.org.au