NAIDOC Week has the potential to change the lives of the city’s young indigenous population, the Shellharbour Aboriginal Community Youth Association says.
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National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) events take place each year to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
NAIDOC Week runs from Sunday until July 8.
The State Government-funded Association (SACYA) provides a range of services to those aged 12-24 years old within the indigenous community.
SACYA coordinator Malcolm Gliddon said NAIDOC Week continued to be of great relevance for the next generation.
‘‘If you grow up with that event, it’s always there,’’ he said.
‘‘I can remember as a young kid going to them.’’
Mr Gliddon said the week’s celebrations provided valuable education.
‘‘What NAIDOC does is it brings them into a world of information,’’ he said. ‘‘Elders and kids mixing at the events, it’s great.’’
Mr Gliddon said the celebrations also enabled key issues facing young indigenous people to be addressed.
‘‘At the moment the biggest one (issue facing young indigenous people) is suspension rates at schools for indigenous kids,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s a little difficult working with indigenous kids if you haven’t before.
‘‘Some kids, if you back them into a corner, they’ll lash out. NAIDOC provides focus. They see role models there; a footy player, a singer, or an Aunt or Uncle.
‘‘It could change one of the kids’ lives. Even a talk from an Elder could do it.’’
SACYA co-founder and committee member Jodi Edwards, a long-time Warilla resident now living in Flinders, said the week was an opportunity to celebrate and share indigenous culture.
She said her children, aged 12 and 14, embraced the prospect.
‘‘They’ve both written songs about their culture, have a strong commitment to NAIDOC and attend the community events,’’ she said.
Shellharbour City Council will host its NAIDOC Week celebrations on Monday, July 2 at Lamerton House from 10.30am-noon.
This will include the planned launch of council’s Aboriginal Employment Strategy, which incorporates council’s goals to become an employer of choice for Aboriginal people.
SACYA’s offices are open from 8.30pm-4.30pm, Monday-Friday, at Oakleigh Park Hall, Shellharbour Rd, Warilla
