The community came together as one to mark NAIDOC Week at a variety of different events. 

Held annually in the first week of July, Leeton Shire Council held its official NAIDOC ceremony last Friday ahead of the school holidays. 

Students from a variety of schools were on hand to take part before enjoying their break. 

Following that community-wide event was held at the revamped Gossamer Park on Wednesday, with a huge turnout braving the cold and wet weather. 

There was activities for all, service providers were on hand, children were laughing and playing and, most importantly, participants were all celebrating Indigenous culture. 

Mayor Paul Maytom spoke at Wednesday’s event, addressing the theme for NAIDOC Week in 2017. 

“(This year’s) theme Our Languages Matter provides an opportunity to reflect on the rich and diverse history of Aboriginal language across the country,” he said. 

“Unfortunately, over the years many of these languages have been lost or are in danger of being lost. 

“However, in recent years there has been a concerted effort to record and document these diverse languages. 

“I am pleased to say as a community and as council we value the richness of all cultures and languages. 

“We will explore ways to promote and encourage your local language.”

Both NAIDOC Week celebrations aimed to bring all facets of the community together, as well as educating residents about Aboriginal culture and history. 

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.

Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s, which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.

Council manager of library, culture and community Penny Davies said it was an important week that deserved pride and place in the calendar each year. 

“Each year, as a mark of honour and respect council holds a flag-raising ceremony where the Aboriginal and Australian flag fly side-by-side in Mountford Park,” she said.

“The ceremony involves a number of different groups.

”As a new resident I am delighted to see two significant events happen during this week. I have been working with the Local Aboriginal Lands Council on a number of projects and we are looking forward to developing more events during next year’s NAIDOC Week.”