NAIDOC Week, 3-10 July, marks a significant event for Indigenous Australians, celebrating their history, culture and achievements.

Central Coast Council will kick off NAIDOC celebrations on the Coast with its annual Flag Raising Ceremony and morning tea on Monday 4 July from 10am at the Wyong office.

This year’s theme is ‘Songlines: The living narrative of our nation’.

Council’s Indigenous Community Development Worker, Mr Matt Sonter, said this year’s theme will be reflected at Council’s celebrations with dances from local students.

“Songlines are recorded in traditional songs, stories, dance and are a celebration of our connection to land and art passed down from generation to generation,” Matt said.

“This year we introduced an Aboriginal Dance Residency Group into local high schools – Wyong and Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College (Berkeley Vale and Tumbi Umbi campuses) – where students were introduced to modern Indigenous dancing with professional dancers who have graduated from NAISDA Dance College.

“They not only learnt more about their culture, but also created a dance routine – which you will get a sneak preview of at our NAIDOC celebrations.

“Through learning more about Songlines and how they connect people to Country and the Country to people, NAIDOC Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate, understand and appreciate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their culture.”

Celebrations will continue across the Central Coast with a number of activities in Council libraries and the local community:

• 2-10 July - Alongside the annual Reconciliation exhibition and Imagining Victory video art exhibition by Contemporary Indigenous activist Richard Bell, there will be a range of free Indigenous inspired activities in Gosford Regional Gallery foyer.
• Monday 4 July - Indigenous Storytime during regular storytime at Gosford Library, 10.30-11.30am.
• Tuesday 5 July – Central Coast NAIDOC Community Day and Central Coast Indigenous Jobs Market at Gosford Racecourse, 10am-3pm.
• Wednesday 6 July – NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Baker Park, Wyong, 9am-3pm.
• Thursday 7 July - Indigenous Stories with the Aunties from Mingaletta at Umina Library, 10.30-11.30am.
• Thursday 7 July - Indigenous artist, Dub Leffler, will introduce children to illustration, drawing techniques and play games at Woy Woy Library 10-11am and Erina Library 2-3pm.
• Friday 8 July – Indigenous Arts and Craft Market at the Erina Centre, Erina Fair 9.30am-2.30pm.