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The events kick off on Sunday 3 July with a ‘Snak and Rap’ skating event for youth, at Mallabula Skate Park. A range of other events will follow throughout the week, including a march and the traditional flag raising ceremony in Raymond Terrace.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says it’s great to be able to celebrate NAIDOC Week with the community again.

“NAIDOC Week is a chance for everyone to come together to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” said Mayor Palmer.

“Last year we celebrated via our social media channels sharing local Worimi Dreaming stories and Karuah Aboriginal Land Council hosted an arts workshop – but it definitely wasn’t the same.

“This year, I’m really looking forward to welcoming back our community and seeing everyone come together at the events across Port Stephens to have some fun and reflect on what NAIDOC Week means,” he added.

This year’s theme – Get up! Stand up! Show up! – calls for systematic change and reforms by continuing to show up. It represents an occasion to celebrate those who have driven and led change in our communities over generations – the champions of change.

Mayor Palmer says the theme is particularly important in 2022. 

“This NAIDOC Week we’ll continue to stand up to ensure we protect the valuable environmental, cultural and heritage significance of many sites as we plan for the future of Port Stephens.

“Thanks to our strong relationship with the local Worimi and Karuah Aboriginal Land Councils, we’ll continue to do this in partnership with them – support and secure institutional, structural, collaborative, and cooperative reforms,” he said.

Port Stephens NAIDOC Week 2022 events:

Sunday 3 July: Snak and Rap | 11am to 1pm | Mallabula Skate Park
Music, art, food, fun, community and conversation – engaging and connecting young people at Mallabula.

Monday 4 July: Murrook Family Fun Day | 10am to 2pm | Murrook Cultural Centre 
Join us for family fun activities, entertainment and a BBQ at the Murrook Cultural Centre

Tuesday 5 July: NAIDOC Week March | 8am | Raymond Terrace War Memorial to Council Administration Building
Flag raising ceremony | 8:30am to 10am | Council Administration Building
A march through Raymond Terrace, followed by a flag raising and smoking ceremony at the Port Stephens Council Administration Building.

Koori Kin Family History Yarn | 10am to 12pm | Raymond Terrace Library
Join Melissa Jackson and Kerry-Ann Tape, First Nations family history specialists, for our Connecting Culture: Tracing Ancestors workshop for mob. In this session we will introduce you to the State Library’s diverse family history collections. Live streamed by State Library of NSW.

Wednesday 6 July: Nelson Bay Fun Day | 10am to 2pm | Nelson Bay Foreshore
Hosted by Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council and Worimi Conservation Lands (NPWS) at Nelson Bay Foreshore.

Thursday 7 July: Cultural activities | 10am to 1pm | Karuah Community Hall
Hosted by Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council at Karuah community hall.
From Monday to Sunday at all events the Natural System team will be presenting “My Little EcoSystem" workshops.

Friday 8 July: Koori Kin Family History Yarn | 10am to 12pm | Tomaree Library
Join Melissa Jackson and Kerry-Ann Tape, First Nations family history specialists, for our Connecting Culture: Tracing Ancestors workshop for mob. In this session we will introduce you to the State Library’s diverse family history collections. Live streamed by State Library of NSW.