NAIDOC Week begins this weekend and there’s plenty happening in Moree throughout the next two weeks to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal people.
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The importance, resilience and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages will be the focus of national celebrations marking the 2017 NAIDOC Week which officially runs from July 2 to 9.
The 2017 theme, ‘Our Languages Matter’, aims to emphasise and celebrate the unique and essential role that indigenous languages play in cultural identity, linking people to their land and water and in the transmission of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, spirituality and rites, through story and song.
Moree Aboriginal Interragency chair Glen Crump said this theme will run throughout Moree’s celebrations.
In particular, at the official opening on Monday, July 3, a young Aboriginal girl will do the Welcome to Country in the Gamilaroi language and will then speak about what it means to her to learn the language and why it’s so important to know.
The official opening will begin with a march from the Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre to Town Hall at 9.45, followed by the ceremony and flag raising by 2017 Elders of the Year Barry Sampson and Barbara Cutmore. At 12pm there will be a barbecue lunch at Kirkby Park.
The opening ceremony will be just one of many highlights throughout the week.
Mr Crump said the NAIDOC Rugby League Shield between the Moree Boomerangs and McIntyre Warriors on Saturday, July 1 is not to be missed.
The Elders Campfire Dinner on Wednesday, July 5 and the Family Fun Day on Thursday, July 6 will also be great events.
“The golf is always popular on the Friday [July 7] and this year the opening of the art exhibition [Yeladu Kamilaroi Art Today] on Friday night will be special as it’s very localised,” Mr Crump said.
“The bowls tournament is always very fun and the kids’ discos are always well attended.”
Mr Crump encourages the whole community to get involved and celebrate Aboriginal people in the Moree community.
“It’s a time of year to remember and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s achievements and culture as part of Australia’s history,” he said.
“It’s a week to really celebrate and embrace the culture.”
Moree schools celebrated NAIDOC Week last week with events such as a Murri Cook-Off and NAIDOC Week awards at Moree Secondary College
2017 NAIDOC Week events in Moree
Saturday, July 1:
- NAIDOC Rugby League Shield between Moree Boomerangs and McIntyre Warriors – 11am at Burt Jovanovich Oval. Novelty games for kids, art activities and live radio broadcasting.
- Memorial Pool Comp – 5.30pm for a 6am start at the Victoria Hotel. Eight ball pool, nomination sheet at the Vic. $10 entry for prize pool, light refreshments provided. Places are limited.
Sunday, July 2:
- Combined Opening Church Service – 10am at Salvation Army Church. Light refreshments provided, all welcome.
- Snooker Competition – 10am at Moree Services Club. Seven ball competition, $10 entry which includes light refreshments. Great prizes on offer.
Monday, July 3:
- Official Opening – 9am assemble at Dhiiyaan Centre for a cuppa before the march. 9.45am annual march from Dhiiyaan Centre to Town Hall for official opening and flag raising by 2017 elders Barry Sampson and Barbara Cutmore. 12pm gathering at Kirkby Park for a barbecue.
Tuesday, July 4:
- Moree Hospital flag raising – 10am
- Women’s cultural gathering at Terry Hie Hie – 10am bus will leave the Tourist Information Centre. Bookings essential. Contact Deb at PACT on 6752 3588.
Wednesday, July 5:
- Elders Bingo – 10am at Pius X hall. All elders welcome, transport available. Great prizes and meals.
- Elders Campfire Dinner – 5.30pm at Multi-Purpose Centre. Array of dishes to choose from, frshly cooked on the open fire. Hosted by Miyay Birray and Moree Police.
Thursday, July 6:
- Family Fun Day – 11am at Burt Jovanovich Oval. Barbecue, indigenous games, touch footy, arts and crafts and lots more.
- NAIDOC Murrioke – 7pm at Victoria Hotel. Great prizes and titles to be won with Baker Boy’s Karaoke.
Friday, July 7:
- Golf Tournament – 7am at Moree Golf Course. Two man ambrose, $25 per player. 8am shot gun start, junior 9 hole competition. $10 includes breakfast, lunch and green fees. To nominate contact Selwyn Benge or the Pro Shop before 7.30am on the day.
- Yeladu Kamilaroi Art Today exhibition opening – 6pm at Moree Plains Gallery. A celebration of contemporary Kamilaroi art from emerging and established artists including Richard Bell, Warraba Weatherall, Jonathon Jones, Ann Johnson, Archie Moore, Liz Munro, Reko Rennie and Warrambool Weavers.
Saturday, July 8:
- NAIDOC Darts – 10am Moree Services Club – women and men comps in singles and doubles. $10 entry includes lunch and prizes.
- NAIDOC Disco with Baker Boy – 7pm at the Victoria Hotel. Free entry, lucky door prize.
Sunday, July 9:
- Closing Church Service – 9.30am Lifehouse Church, PCYC Moree in Boston Street. All welcome.
- Guya Fishing Competition – 9am breakfast and registration at Miyay Birray. Great przies on offer, lots of categories to win.
Tuesday, July 11:
- Junior Disco – 5.30pm to 9pm at Multi-Purpose Centre for preschool, infants and primary school aged children. Theme is to wear red, black and yellow. Pick up and drop off provided. Must be accompanied by an adult. Free entry and hot dog and drink.
Thursday, July 13:
- Senior Disco – 6pm to 10pm at Multi-Purpose Centre for high school students. Theme is to wear red, black and yellow. Pick up and drop off provided. Free entry and hot dog and drink.
Friday, July 14:
- Trivia Night – 6pm Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre. Teams of up to 10. $10 per player, light refreshments provided. Please register your team at the Dhiiyaan Centre.
Saturday, July 15:
- NAIDOC Bowls – Triples event, $45 per team which includes lunch and light refreshments. Bookings essential, contact Rod Tighe on 0467 772 569.
Sunday, July 16:
- Poker Texas Hold-Em Tournament, Nigel Whitton-McIntosh Memorial Shield – 12pm registrations with a 1pm start at Moree Services Club. All welcome. Unlimited buy-ins to the break. Light snacks provided.
