Gunnedah is set for a packed NAIDOC Week in 2018, with the theme Because of her, we can.
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The celebrations will receive a financial boost this year, with Winanga-li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre successful in its application for a NSW Government NAIDOC Week Grant.
NAIDOC Week committee member and Winanga-li employee Debbie Steadman said events were open to the community.
People think its just for Aboriginal people, but everyones welcome, she said.
Its to recognise Aboriginal culture, and reconciliation Its acknowledging that were here and to ensure people know where were coming from and to build that friendship up with the community.
NAIDOC Week events will start on July 9 with a flag raising and morning tea at Gunnedah District Hospital at 10am. On July 10, there will be a free screening of Rites of Passage at The Civic Theatre at 5pm.
On July 11, the NAIDOC Awards Night will be held from 6.30pm at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club. Tickets are $15 for a three-course meal and can be purchased at Winanga-li.
Ms Steadman said there were more than 50 nominations for the awards. The categories are academic (junior and senior), sportsperson (male and female), professional (male and female) and community categories (male and female), and outstanding Indigenous woman.
Bookings need to be made for the cards night at the Red Chief Local Lands Council Book on July 12 at 6.30pm. On July 13 at 1pm, the NAIDOC Week art exhibition will open at 1pm at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery.
Sunday is a packed day, kicking off at 7am with breakfast at Winanga-li, followed by a smoking ceremony for women at Porcupine Lookout at 8am and the traditional Cumbo Gunnerah Run for men from Breeza to Gunnedah.
The run commemorates the legendary Red Chief saving his tribe from virtual destruction when two youngsters backtracking in search of a lost dilly bag spotted members of the fierce Cassilis tribe approaching their camp.
With the hunting parties far away across the plains, the remaining women and children were herded to the secret camp and a smoke signal from Porcupine Hill (Bindea) summoned the warriors to return.
Runners will finish up in Gunnedah where the NAIDOC march will start at 10am at Abbott Street. The march will lead to Wolseley Park where flags will be raised, followed by a family fun day, with rides, face painting, traditional dancing, music, food and stalls.
Its a great day for families to come out and enjoy Aboriginal culture and it doesnt cost them anything, Ms Steadman said.
For more information on NAIDOC activities, phone Winanga-li on 6743 0999.