Join in the NAIDOC Week celebrations in Clare

This year’s theme for NAIDOC Week, ‘Because of her, we can’, celebrates the essential role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have played – and continue to play – as active and significant role models at the community, local, state and national levels.

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke Aboriginal Engagement Officer Matthew Turner said the Regional Hub at 155 Main North Road would be taking part in the celebrations, and encouraged the local community to attend.

"Natural Resources Northern and Yorke wants to recognise and celebrate the contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to our local region," Mr Turner said.

"Ngadjuri Elder Quenten Agius will perform a traditional Welcome to Country Ceremony, while Torres Strait Islander woman Natalie Sommerville will speak to the theme, ‘Because of her, we can!’"

Ms Sommerville has made a considerable contribution to the Northern and Yorke region and agriculture sector through her positions on the Northern and Yorke NRM Board, Yackamoorundie Landcare Group, former Partners in Grain SA and the Native Vegetation Council. Ms Sommerville has also been a broad acre cropping and livestock farmer in the region for over twelve years.

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke Regional Director Trevor Naismith said the Northern and Yorke region encompasses the lands of several Aboriginal Nations.

"We acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose lands are part of this region, and we are committed to working with Aboriginal groups with an interest in land and water management, and to provide meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal people to participate in NRM," Mr Naismith said.

"We understand that there is a need to increase Aboriginal cultural knowledge in natural resource management and to develop a better understanding of our region’s natural resources from the perspective of Aboriginal people."

"We would like to extend an invitation to the local community to share in the celebrations and learn more about the rich culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern and Yorke region and beyond."

NAIDOC week originated in the 1920s, when Aboriginal rights groups were formed to increase awareness of the status and treatment of Aboriginal people. NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself.

If you are interested in joining in the NAIDOC Week celebrations in Clare, come along to 155 Main North Road, Clare on Wednesday 11 July 2018 from 11am to 12pm.

This event is supported by Natural Resources Northern and Yorke, Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council, Primary Industries and Regions SA, RDA Yorke and Mid North, Legatus and Hart Field-site Group.

For more information, please contact the Natural Resources Centre in Clare on 8841 3444.