MAYORAL MINUTE NO 14/2022
CELEBRATE NAIDOC WEEK IN THE HILLS SHIRE
28 JUNE 2022
Councillors,
During our annual calendar, there are a number of significant events, milestones and occasions where we stop and reflect. NAIDOC Week is one such event and it’s happening next week, from July 3 to 10.
The theme for the 2022 NAIDOC week is “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!”, which encourages institutional, social and environmental change, while also celebrating those who have made positive contributions over the many generations.
NAIDOC Week is also a special time to celebrate, share and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. This is particularly important, as it provides us with opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of our First Nations people, who are the oldest civilisation on Earth.
In speaking with some of our Aboriginal Elders, they’ve told me it is important to them that their stories be told and that their history and culture be understood by all Australians.
A great place to learn more about our First People, particularly the Darug people who are the traditional custodians of The Hills Shire, is at your local Hills Shire library branch. There, you can find a great range of resources that will expand your knowledge on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and language.
In addition to this, Castle Hill Library will be hosting a special NAIDOC Week performance by Majeda Beatty on Friday, July 8. Majeda is a Sydney-based singer, actress and dancer, and a proud Wuthathi woman, and she will share her culture with children (in Kindergarten to Year 6) through song, dance, stories and language.
I am very proud of the work our libraries are doing to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, artists and writers, through their curated story list, which members and residents can access, both online and in person. It’s a great read during and after NAIDOC Week.
Our childcare centres will also run a series of educational activities and workshops, with one centre looking to plant a bush tucker garden, which I am really excited about.
Council will follow flag protocols and fly both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags during this time.
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A number of community events are also taking place for NAIDOC Week, including the Family Fun Day run by Hills Community Aid on Wednesday, July 6. A NAIDOC week celebration will also be held at Rouse Hill Estate by Sydney Living Museums on Sunday, July 10.
Just as Hills Community Aid and Sydney Living Museums have done with their events, I also want to encourage residents and event organisers who are running NAIDOC Week events to take advantage of Council’s free Community and Council Event Directory. It’s a great way to promote your event online and reach more Hills Shire residents. Simply visit Council’s website, www.thehills.nsw.gov.au, and search “Community and Council Event Directory”.
Residents can also find more events and resources on the official NAIDOC Week website, www.naidoc.org.au.
The Hills Shire Council is proud to participate in this special week and I am looking forward to joining residents at a variety of events being held across our Shire.
Accordingly, I move that:
MOTION:
This Mayoral Minute be received.
Dr Peter Gangemi MAYOR
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