The committee invited the entire district to offer thoughts on how to observe this week that celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The national NAIDOC theme this year is ‘We all Stand on Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate’. As such, the Inverell committee is interested in new ideas from people to build community understanding.

Committee secretary Lyn Lackay invited families, individuals, teams, organisations, services and businesses to come on board.

“I think basically we want the community to get more involved. As NAIDOC Week is getting bigger each year and we’re getting more participants,” Lyn said.

“It’s about learning about each other’s cultures as well, and working together and building relationships.”

Though the main event, march, festival at the park and NAIDOC Awards presentation is on Friday, July 10 there are plans throughout the week. There will be the annual police footy match and elders’ lunch at Danthonia, and the anticipated NAIDOC Ball or disco for youth.

Building understanding and participation in children and young people with activities or event ideas was encouraged.

“Even though it’s in the school holidays, we would still like the schools to contribute,” Lyn said. 

The committee is also reaching out to local businesses who are interested in being even sponsors.

Lyn said anybody who has ideas for NAIDOC Week activities, would like to book a stall or marquee space in the park, or have questions about sponsorship to please contact her on 6728 2700, committee chairman Harry White on 6720 8300 or  Angela Parker on 6723 3022.