Central Coast Council will be celebrating this years’ NAIDOC Week with a flag raising event at Council’s Wyong administration building.

The official event, held on Monday 8 July from 9.30am to 10am, will be closely followed by a ceremony at The Art House from 10am to 11am which acknowledges the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Elders, community and dignitaries are invited, with guest speakers and presentations from the community and morning tea.

Mayor Jane Smith said NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity for people from all cultural backgrounds to come together to recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“NAIDOC Week recognises the significance of Indigenous heritage and gives the local community an opportunity to hear the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in both a historical and contemporary context,” Mayor Smith said.

“This year’s theme ‘Voice.Treaty.Truth’ honours the Indigenous voice of this country which is more than 65,000 years old.

“As this language is passed down, so too are the beliefs, skills and knowledge of a generation.

“NAIDOC Week gives residents an insight into Indigenous culture and what is important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”

NAIDOC Week runs from Sunday 7 July to Sunday 14 July.