Aboriginal Affairs delivers welcomed boost to NAIDOC Committee in time for celebrations

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall visited Moree on Monday to share in the good news.

“They have been successful in receiving $5,000 in State Government funding to support activities that they’re organising for NAIDOC Week,” he said.

READ ALSO:

NAIDOC Week will kick off on July 8, when communities across Australia will celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“NAIDOC Week is particularly important in Moree. There are huge strides being made around reconciliation, around recognising Aboriginal culture and history in modern Australia,” Mr Marshall said.

The Member for Northern Tablelands explained local NAIDOC Week activities were a great way to build support in the community.

“I’ve tried hard to support Miyay Birray and other Aboriginal groups because I believe they are so important to be part of one community here in Moree.”

NAIDOC Week celebrations in Moree will comprise of popular activities such as Pius Elders Bingo, Family Cultural Day and NAIDOC bowls. 

CEO Darrel Smith was on hand to receive the good news from Mr Marshall.

“The funding from Aboriginal Affairs NSW will be broken into two lots. One group of funds will go towards NAIDOC activities, and the other for the Moree Miss NAIDOC Ball,” he said.

It is the first time in 16 years that the Moree Miss NAIDOC Ball has been held in town.

The event is open to Aboriginal women between the ages of 18 to 25 years, and that includes mothers. Already, around 30 women have signed up for the competition, where they will be judged foremost on their personality.

The competition will comprise of two weeks of an Empowerment and Leadership Program and culminate with a black-tie event.

The program endeavours to connect culture, community, country, education and provide awareness and the life skills for positive change and progress.

Mr Smith said he was grateful for the sizeable donation.

“Most of the NAIDOC Week activities couldn’t run without funding: the money affords food and even small prizes.”