NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The week is celebrated by Australians from all walks of life.

Mayor Ryan Palmer says NAIDOC week is a great opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the valuable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to Port Stephens, particularly Indigenous Elders. 

“This year, the NAIDOC week theme pays tribute to the knowledge and experience Indigenous Elders have, and how they harness this to help guide younger generations,” Mayor Palmer said. 

“They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, and nurturers, for their families and their wider community.

“Elders are the heads of their families, and this year’s focus on family friendly events helps to bring everyone together for a day of fun and celebration,” he added.

The Port Stephens NAIDOC week celebrations are starting early, on Thursday 29 June, allowing local Indigenous students to attend and participate before the school holidays begin. Events will begin with a flag raising ceremony and march from 9:30am, followed by a family fun day at Riverside Park, Raymond Terrace.

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Come and join the NAIDOC Week events to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Port Stephens:

Thursday 29 June

Raymond Terrace Naidoc Week opening and Fun Day

• 9:30am – Flag raising and speeches
• 10am – March down William Street
• 10:30am – Community day at Riverside Park including BBQ and Kooriokee

Monday 3 July

Murrook Family Fun Day

• 10am to 2pm – Activities and entertainment

Tuesday 4 July

Karuah Family Fun Day

• 10am to 12.30pm – Activities, entertainment, cultural games and BBQ
• Karuah Hall: Mustons Road, Karuah

Wednesday 5 July

Nelson Bay Fun Day

• 9:30am – March down Stockton Street
• 10am – Family fun day Nelson Bay Foreshore

Koori Colours Clay Class with Jason Russell

• 10am to 12pm at the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre
• Come along to the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre for an intimate sculpting class with Worimi artist Jason Russell, from Koori Colours. Jason will show you how to make your very own coolamon, using air dry clay.
• All ages welcome. Young children must be supervised by an adult.
• Cost: Free

There are only 20 places available. Please call the Visitor Information Centre on 4988 0900 to secure a place.

Thursday 6 July

Coolamon making workshop at Your Library

Coolamons were traditionally used to carry water, fruits and nuts, as well as to cradle babies. Come along and create your own coolamon from clay.

• 10am to 12pm: Tomaree Library
• 2pm to 4pm: Raymond Terrace Library
• For ages 7 to 13 years
• Cost: Free

Bookings are essential. Contact your preferred Library to secure your place: Raymond Terrace 4988 0111 or Tomaree 4988 0670.

This National NAIDOC Week Activity is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency.