The Nyngan community fully embraced its culture this last week as NAIDOC (National Aborigines’ and Islander’ Day Observance committee) events took place throughout the town from the 9th – 15th of September. 

NAIDOC week celebrates the culture, history and achievements of our First Nations community and has its roots in the 1938 Day of Mourning, becoming a week-long event in 1975.  

This year, the theme ‘For Our Elders’ was a celebration across every generation, of the importance of the role Elders play – the trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, cultural knowledge holders and loved ones, according to the NAIDOC website. 

“The week wishes to bestow upon all Elders a thanks for guiding generations and paving the way for the paths Aborigine and Islander people can take today. 

“We draw strength from their knowledge and experience, in everything from land management, cultural knowledge to justice and human rights. Across Multiple sectors like health, education, the arts, politics and everything in between, they have set the many courses we follow.” 

The week's activities commenced on Saturday 9 September with a well-attended Community Dinner to kick off the festivities with an inspiring talk from Aunty Ruth Carney.  

Monday saw locals, school students, officials and visitors attending the Opening Ceremony at Winangali Walk, which included acknowledgement of country in language, dancing led by cultural leader Jamie McLennan and inspiring speeches from students of all ages, including the pinning of native handmade broaches on attending elders and followed by a light lunch and a gorgeous Preschool Cultural Showcase.  

PHOTO: Aunty Gloria Shipp - Aunty Leslie Ryan - Uncle Bill Leigh - Uncle Eddie Shipp 

Tuesday took celebrations to Nyngan High School followed by a Small School Cultural Showcase at Hermidale Public School on Wednesday, which included Girilambone and Marra Creek public schools.  

Principal of Hermidale Public School Skye Dedman was happy to see the students embracing NAIDOC Week and learning about the culture. 

“Coming together to celebrate NAIDO Week is a yearly highlight for the three small schools and our communities,” said Mrs. Dedman. 

“This year, we acknowledge our Elders who are our knowledge holders, teachers and guides. Our student’s Highlight’s from the day included playing the healthy eating bingo game, seeing inside their ears and hearing with their hearts with the great team from Brewarrina Aboriginal Medical Centre.” 

“Chris also came down from Brewarrina and talked to the kids about hunting for bush tucker and the signs to look out for as the seasons change. Dancing, weaving and cooking Johnny cakes were highlights too.” 

“Before lunch the students used symbols to represent their family story and shared these with our visitors and friends. The day finished off with a beautiful BBQ lunch and cooling ice blocks. We had a wonderful day,” said Principal Dedman.  

PHOTO: Veneta Dutton NLALC with students Hermidale Public School  

Nyngan Public School, St. Joseph’s Primary School and Bogan Shire Early Learning Centre held special events for Thursday and the week culminated in a grand finale with a Community Day on Friday 15th.  

Veneta Dutton from Nyngan Local Aboriginal Land Council was very happy with the events over the week.  

“So proud of how our community came together to celebrate NAIDOC and events across the community in honour of this year’s theme ‘For Our Elders’. We had a fantastic week and look forward to next year,” said Mrs. Dutton.