The first week of July is a time when we celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week runs from Monday 7 July to Sunday 13 July and is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

This year the theme of NAIDOC Week is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy and Bayside Council has developed an exciting program with hands-on workshops for our younger generation to discover more about First Nations culture and history.

The program includes art workshops, Aboriginal honey making, bush tucker and weaving workshops.

Council will also be hosting a screening the documentary Her Name is Nanny Nellie directed by Daniel King in the Rockdale Town Hall on Tuesday 8 July at 6pm.

This poignant film retraces the life of Nellie Walker who featured in a 1925 sculpture commissioned by the Australian Museum. This film provides a very person look at a national story with consequences for colonial museum collections everywhere.

An evening of storytelling, discussion, and cultural reflection with media personality and advocate Bianca Hunt looking at First Nations voices in mainstream media, will be held in the Arncliffe Library 

The full program of events can be found on Council’s website: NAIDOC Week Program

Bayside Mayor Edward McDougall said

“I hope you are all able to support and participate in the many activities on offer during NAIDOC Week that will give our younger generation an opportunity to discover more about the history and culture of our First Nations people,” Mayor Edward McDougall said.