Local grants to support NAIDOC Week 2021 celebrations

NAIDOC Week 2021 events are underway around Wide Bay, and organisations in Gympie, Cooroy and Maryborough have received federal funding to help celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence, rich history and culture.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announced Cooloola Aboriginal Services received $5,000 towards the Gympie NAIDOC Family fun day and Dinner dance; Cooroy Future Group received $1,000 for its Celebration Day for First Nations NAIDOC Art Exhibition at Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre; and Kahwun – Wooga Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation for Community received $1,000 for a NAIDOC Fun Day at Maryborough.

Mr O’Brien encouraged everyone to get involved, learn more about local Indigenous cultures, and share in the traditions that make our part of Australia unique.

“NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities, support Wide Bay’s local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and recognise and honour the contributions and achievements of our First Nations Butchulla, Gubbi Gubbi and Wakka Wakka people,” Mr O’Brien said.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, explained that each year, the NAIDOC Week theme draws our attention to an important issue for everyone to consider.

“This year’s theme, Heal Country!, is a call to action to protect and preserve land, water, culture and more – for the benefit of all Australians.”

The funding was part of the Morrison Government’s $1.4 million program to support local organisations to celebrate NAIDOC week.

For local events and information about NAIDOC Week 2021 visit www.naidoc.org.au

All of the events funded as part of the NAIDOC local grants program are required to have COVID-19 plans in place. It is important that anyone attending an event observes these plans and local restrictions to ensure everyone stays safe.