Cobar took part in NAIDOC Week celebrations last week with a day of activities at Drummond Park on Thursday.
The theme of NAIDOC Week 2024 is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’ and aims to celebrate Indigenous identity and empower First Nations people to stand tall in their heritage and support each other.
Local community groups and organisations including the Cobar Local Aboriginal Land Council (Cobar LALC), Royal Flying Doctor Service, Community Plus, CatholicCare, Interrelate, Barnardos and REDI.E manned information stalls and handed out giveaways.
Indigenous and non-indigenous members of the community joined in the fun and participated in a range of activities including making jewellery, tambourines and canvas bags as well as creating canvas paintings.
They also enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch and a cake.
Cobar LALC CEO Che Dionysius said this year’s theme resonates deeply with the spirit and resilience of Australia’s First Nations peoples.
“Keep the Fire Burning challenges us all to play a role in reconciliation, to amplify Indigenous voices, and to stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” Che said.
“It prompts us to support initiatives that promote cultural awareness, education, and empowerment. It calls upon us to honor the ancient traditions, stories, and wisdom passed down through generations, while also igniting a flame of hope for the future.”
She encouraged the community to ensure the flame of Indigenous culture and heritage burns brightly for generations to come.
