Locals and visitors alike are invited to celebrate NAIDOC Week with a free and fun-filled day of activities in Singleton.
A massive program of events and entertainment is planned to take place at the Singleton Showground on Wednesday 5 July, from 10am until 2pm, featuring jumping castle, face painting, balloon animals, reptile display, Koorioke, cultural dancing and more.
The Singleton NAIDOC Community Day also boasts a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performances, the cutting of the NAIDOC cake, 30-plus stalls and free sausage sandwiches.
And, in keeping with this year’s theme, For our Elders, Singleton’s cultural knowledge holders, mentors and leaders will be front and centre, too.
They’ll be honoured in an Elders Tent to recognise their contribution to the wider community.
Singleton NAIDOC Committee chairperson Jade Perry said the occasion was a terrific opportunity to acknowledge and learn about Aboriginal culture.
“The event will begin with a traditional Welcome to Country by a local Elder, Smoking Ceremony and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance before moving into speeches by the Singleton mayor Sue Moore and a Singleton High School student,” she explained.
“Then everyone can enjoy a whole range of activities and entertainment.
“We’ll have plenty of stalls set up on the day, as well as numerous food options.
“The Singleton Red Cross ladies will also sell their famous baked goods.
“We want as many people as possible to take advantage of this cultural celebration and free day out during the school holidays.
“It’s for everyone in our community to celebrate Aboriginal history and culture, in particular the local Wanaruah, Wonnarua people.”
Cr Moore said NAIDOC Week was always an important occasion in Singleton.
“We are so fortunate to have a long and proud First Nations history,” she stated.
“NAIDOC Week is a great chance to strengthen the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
“And, what better way to do that than at a whole of community event?
“I’d encourage everyone to come out in the spirit of reconciliation and enjoy this day.”
For more community stories:
- Port Stephens gears up for NAIDOC Week
- NAIDOC Week celebrations kick off in Newcastle
- NAIDOC: Artist Saretta Fielding reflects on all things Country
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