SHINE for Kids celebrates NAIDOC 2009

SHINE for Kids' first NAIDOC celebrations were held across all Child & Family Centres on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July 2009, celebrating and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements to the wider community.

These events were very successful and as the only Aboriginal employee it was an honour implementing such a rewarding project with so many people attending, participating and enjoying the day.

The staff at the Child & Family Centres worked tirelessly make SHINE for Kids' first NAIDOC events a success. Staff and volunteers together made the day extra special for all participants. Activities that were available on the day included:

• A jumping castle
• Child & Family Centres decorated to reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
• A craft table which included colouring sheets, native animal templates to decorate and other Aboriginal arts and crafts
• A barbecue, drinks and lollies for the children
• Face painting, coloured hair spray and NAIDOC tattoos
• A Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony undertaken by an Aboriginal Elder
• Platters of game meats, kangaroo, emu and crocodile and a hot crusty damper
• Aboriginal dancers and a didgeridoo player
• Information table about community services
• Aboriginal music

SHINE for Kids would like to thank Indigenous Coordination Centres (ICC) Sydney and Coffs Harbour for funding these events, Thulli Dreaming for the Aboriginal Dancers, didgeridoo players and Aboriginal music, and the Aboriginal Elders Uncle Wes Maine and Aunty Jose, for enabling us to provide a fantastic cultural day to all children, families and communities.

What is NAIDOC?

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.

With a growing awareness of the distinct cultural histories of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, NADOC was expanded to recognise Torres Strait Islander people and assumed its current name, which has become the title not just for the day but for the whole week.

Each year, a national theme is chosen to reflect the important issues and events for NAIDOC. This year's NAIDOC Week theme was 'Honouring Our Elders, Nurturing Our Youth'. The theme encourages our communities to acknowledge the status of our Elders as leaders and role models for our youth.

Janet O’Brien
Aboriginal Project Worker
SHINE for Kids