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A week of celebration to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people starts on Friday in Whyalla.
The National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week celebrations will run from Friday, July 6 until the NAIDOC Ball on Saturday, July 14. NAIDOC Week in Whyalla is proudly sponsored by the City of Whyalla with funding this year provided through a community grant.
The Ball is the only event with ticket sales. All other events are an open invitation to just turn up and enjoy.
Whyalla NAIDOC Week organising week chairperson, Jeff Croft said the committee was pleased with the program and paid tribute to Council for its support. He also gave a special mention to the Whyalla Apex Club which will be providing food throughout the week.
“We need to thank the Council for its support and the community grant,” Jeff said.
“Without that support, we wouldn’t have been able to put on as many events as we have for 2018.
“We’ve brought the march forward so school children can still be involved in the school term.
“It’s a good program and we’re hoping the whole community embraces it and comes along, not just indigenous people, but everyone in this town.”
The week starts with the march on Friday, July 6, leaving Anytime Fitness at the Westland Shopping Centre and marching to the MIddleback Arts Centre. There will be a free screening of the film Bran Nue Dae followed by a barbecue.
The Middleback Arts Centre will also be the venue for the NAIDOC Opening/Awards Ceremony on Monday, July 9 from 10am to midday. A range of people in the community will be recognised with awards in categories such as youth, sports, elder and community service.
The Whyalla Hospital Community Morning is on Tuesday, July 10 from 10.30am to midday at the hospital gardens. It will feature the Dusty Feet Mob dance troupe.
On a more serious note, there will be an ADAC Ice Forum on Wednesday, July 11 from 9am to 4.30pm at the Central Whyalla Football Club. This is a good chance to find out more about the Ice drug scourge that is impacting on our community.
The popular Community Day will be on Thursday, July 12 from 11am to 2pm at the Gabmididi Manoo Children & Family Centre. There will be plenty to do for families with a jumping castle, face painting and bubble soccer with food and drink also available.
The kids get to style-up on Thursday, July 12 at the BLUELIGHT Dance Party from 6.30pm to 9pm at the D’Faces Hall. For 13-17-year-olds, it’s a lock-in event with no pass outs making it a safe, fun and enjoy night with some deadly music.
It all wraps up with the NAIDOC Ball at the Croatia Soccer Club on Saturday, July 14 from 5.45pm to midnight. It’s a semi-formal night with a $35 three-course meal and entertainment from local lads Jackdaw.
Tickets for the NAIDOC Ball are now available from the Middleback Arts Centre or online at https://www.countryarts.org.au/events/2018-naidoc-ball/
For more information on the Whyalla NAIDOC Week celebrations go to the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Whyalla-NAIDOC-Week-1703390359967301/
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