Wide Bay encouraged to celebrate Indigenous Australian culture

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is calling on local communities to showcase the best of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history during this year’s NAIDOC Week.
 
Mr O’Brien said the Morrison Government was providing $1.4 million in grants to support NAIDOC Week, which highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence and traditions.
 
“NAIDOC Week serves as a unifying time, when we can demonstrate our pride in the fact we have one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures with vibrant traditions that are uniquely Australian,” Mr O’Brien said.
 
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play a vital role in the story of Wide Bay and our nation.
 
“With assistance from these grants, events will be held to celebrate our proud history, share culture, and recognise and honour the contributions and achievements Indigenous Australians.”
 
Mr O’Brien said this year’s theme, Always Was, Always Will Be., is an opportunity for all people to engage with Indigenous culture, gain a greater understanding of our nation’s shared history and celebrate the unique place Indigenous peoples have in Wide Bay and Australian society.
 
“It is a great opportunity to build mutual respect and for truth-telling, and the learning that comes from that. I encourage all Australians to gain a true appreciation for our past so we can all walk together on our shared path,” Mr O’Brien said.
 
Information on the 2020 NAIDOC grants funding round is available on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website, www.niaa.gov.au/naidoc, with applications closing 30 March at 8pm (AEDT).
 
Nominations are also still open for the National NAIDOC Awards that recognise outstanding achievements by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Nominations can be submitted on the NAIDOC website, www.naidoc.org.au/awards/nominations
 
Events and information about NAIDOC Week 2020 will be posted to www.naidoc.org.au